The arrival of Makar Sankranti reminds us that the harshest winters eventually give way to warm, pleasant sunshine, echoing the profound life lesson of embracing positivity and new beginnings. The festival encourages spreading joy and speaking sweetly to everyone, beautifully captured in the Marathi saying, “Tilgud ghya, gode gode bola” — “Take sesame sweets and speak sweetly.”
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season, a time when freshly harvested crops are worshipped and shared as a symbol of gratitude and abundance. The festival also signifies a cosmic shift, as the Sun transitions from Dakshinayana (the southern hemisphere) to Uttarayana (the northern hemisphere), symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of longer, warmer days filled with renewed energy and growth.
Celebrated under various names across India, the festival beautifully reflects the country’s cultural diversity. In Tamil Nadu, it is observed as Pongal, while Punjab and Haryana celebrate Lohri. Assam marks the occasion as Magh Bihu, and in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is known as Khichdi. Despite regional variations, the essence of gratitude, prosperity, and warmth remains universal.
Uniquely, Makar Sankranti is the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar, with all others following the lunar almanac. The Sun God is honoured on this day, emphasizing the significance of light, positivity, and spiritual awakening.
To help our students understand and appreciate the essence of this vibrant festival, we organized engaging celebrations where they explored the festival’s cultural and seasonal importance. They crafted and decorated kites, immersing themselves in the joy of soaring their colourful creations under the brilliant winter sky, basking in the gentle, healing warmth of the Capricorn sunshine. The experience not only deepened their cultural awareness but also filled the day with laughter, creativity, and cherished memories.
