January 14: Harvest Festivals of Hindus

Makara Sankranti Festival or Thai Pongal celebrates the change in direction of the movement of the sun to north (that is why it is also called Uttarayana by Gujaratis).

Harvest Festivals of Hindus: Geographical Spread

Among the most auspicious days for Hindus, Maha Sankranti is mentioned in many scriptures  as a pan-India harvest festival (a Vedic tradition). The Assamese celebrate it as Bhogali Bihu and Bengalis call it Pous Sankranti. Also, it is celebrated in other countries, such as Nepal (Maghi or Maghe Sakrati), Thailand (Songkran), Laos (Pi Ma Lao) and Myanmar (Thingyan).

What is Makara Sankranti?

The traditional Indian Calendar is based on the positions of the moon. Unlike other Hindu festivals, the date of Makara Sankranti (14 January) does not change in relation to the Gregorian calendar as it is a solar event. Falling on the first day of the Hindu month of Magha, Makar Sankranthi festival marks the day from which the length of day time increases and the winter chill decreases.

Pongal Harvest Festival: Rituals

Rice is boiled in new pots with milk and jaggery, in the morning. It is allowed to spill over. The moment it boils, people shout “Ponggalo Ponggal”. This is supposed to bring prosperity to the family. The first grain harvested is dedicated to the Sun by Tamil Hindus.

Makar Sankranti Festival: Beliefs

• According to the Puranas, the Sun God visits his son Saturn (the master of Capricorn) for a month. While it is believed that the father and son don’t get along well, this day symbolizes the importance of father-son relationship.
• On this day, Lord Vishnu wiped off the terror of the Asuras by burying their heads. This represents the end of negativity and beginning of a new era of righteous living.
• The belief goes that a person who dies during the Uttarayana period attains freedom from transmigration.
• People avoid traveling on this day and stay with their families.

Uttarayan: Customs and Traditions

• Holy bath in River Ganges (Ganga)
• Feeding animals, especially cows.
• Kite flying
• Fairs are held
• Chanting Gayatri Mantra, directed towards the Sun God