In a joyous celebration of Makar Sankranti, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the residents of the state. Embracing the spiritual essence of the festival, he expressed wishes for the rays of Lord Bhaskar, the World Father Surya, to infuse new energy, enthusiasm, and vitality into the world.
Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayana, Makar, or simply Sankranti, holds deep cultural and religious significance in the Hindu tradition. Traditionally falling on January 14 (and January 15 in leap years), the festival marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn. This celestial shift signifies a new beginning, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Across India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with diverse names and unique regional traditions. In Kerala, it is called Makara Sankranti, while Assam observes Magh Bihu and Himachal Pradesh celebrates Maghi Saaji. The festival is known as Maghi Sangrand in Punjab, Uttarain or Uttarayana in Jammu, Sakrat in Haryana, and Sakraat in Rajasthan, among many other regional names.
The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti vary, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of India. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal, while in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, it is Uttarayana. The festival is marked by social gatherings, colorful decorations, rural children singing and seeking treats, melas (fairs), dances, kite flying, bonfires, and feasts.
A notable event during Makar Sankranti is the Magha Mela, mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Additionally, every twelve years, Hindus observe Makar Sankranti with the Kumbha Mela, one of the world’s largest mass pilgrimages. This grand event attracts millions of devotees who offer prayers to the Sun and take a ceremonial bath at the Prayagaraj confluence of the River Ganga and River Yamuna.
Makar Sankranti is a time of celebration, thanksgiving, and various rituals, symbolizing the importance of unity and cultural diversity in India. Chief Minister Yogi’s warm wishes encapsulate the spirit of communal joy, reflecting the festival’s essence of embracing the new with positivity and hope.
