The significance of the Pongal celebration
Why Sankranthi celebration?
In India, people often celebrate Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti or Pongal, especially in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Every year on January 14th is observed as the start of the harvest season.
The celebration is held in remembrance of Surya, the Sun God, who is thanked for a plentiful crop. People gather and rejoice with their loved ones throughout this time as well. To commemorate the occasion, people cook traditional dishes like Pongal (a sweet dish made with rice, jaggery, and milk) and fly kites on this day.
Sankranti is also a time for getting together with friends and family to socialise and exchange presents. New clothing is worn, friends and relatives are visited, and sweets and savoury treats are traded. The celebration is observed with tremendous excitement and delight and has considerable cultural value as well.
The event, known as “Sankranti” in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the state’s most significant celebrations. To commemorate the event, people draw rangolis on their homes and light diyas. A bonfire is lit to symbolise the passing of the old and the beginning of the new during the Telangana celebration known as “Bhogi.”
The event, known as “Pongal” in Tamil Nadu, is a four-day celebration. People celebrate the first day, known as Bhogi Pongal, by building a bonfire and getting rid of unwanted objects. People prepare Pongal and serve it to the Sun God on the second day of the celebration, Surya Pongal. On the third day of the festival, Mattu Pongal, people decorate and worship cows, and on the fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, they visit friends and relatives to celebrate.
One of the most significant holidays in the state of Karnataka, the event is observed as “Sankranti” and “Makara Sankranti” there. To commemorate the holiday, people make treats like Ellu-Bella (sesame seed and jaggery combination), and they fly kites.
Where will the Sankranthi celebrate?
In India, people often celebrate Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti or Pongal, especially in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The celebration is held in remembrance of Surya, the Sun God, who is thanked for a plentiful crop. People gather and rejoice with their loved ones throughout this time as well.
The celebration is highly significant both culturally and religiously. It signifies the sun’s passage from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer, which is revered in Hinduism as an auspicious occasion. It is said that the sun’s energy at this time benefits the environment and the crops, giving it a suitable time for harvesting.
Since it ushers in the harvest season, Sankranti is also regarded as a significant event for farmers. Given that it is a time for people to gather together and express gratitude for the abundant harvest, the holiday is observed with tremendous passion and delight. In addition, it is a time when people honour the devotion and laborious efforts of farmers who cultivate and harvest crops.
The occasion is also a time for gathering with loved ones and sharing presents. New clothing is worn, friends and relatives are visited, and sweets and savoury treats are traded. This fosters peace and unification and helps to enhance the bonds between family and friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sankranti is a significant holiday that has a significant impact on culture, religion, and society. It is a time for people to gather together and rejoice with their loved ones as it ushers in the harvest season. The holiday encourages cooperation, harmony, and thankfulness, making it a significant occasion to honour.
