Makar Sakranti- an important festival not only of Hindus but is celebrated vehemently by Indians all across India. Actually it is celebrated in the honour of Sun God “Bhaskar”. On this day, devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges and offer their prayers to the Lord. Til and Gur are taken as delicacies by the people on this occasion, which also has many medicinal uses such as providing warmth to the body during the season of biting cold and stomach related ailments.
Historically speaking, on this day Sun, the father visits the house of his son, Shani, who is the lord of Makara Rashi. This symbolizes the importance of special relationship between the father and the son. A part from all this, Makar Sakranti is also the day for taking vows. It is the day for taking new and firm resolutions, better known as well- planned decisions. It is the day to mark a New Beginning.
Makar Sakranti has deep spiritual significance and is rooted in an unshakable divine history. It is a solar event, the date of Makar Sakranti remains constant at 14th January. In Hinduism, the Sun signifies light (knowledge, spirituality and wisdom), unity, equality and true selflessness, the ideals of Karma Yoga. The message spread during this occasion is “one should gradually begin and to grow as the Sun does from this day and perform one’s duties without expectations of rewards.”
The significance begins from this day onwards, the days start becoming longer and warmer and thus, the winter chill starts declining. Traditionally, this has been one of the many harvest days in India. The festival is also referred as Uttarayana as it marks the starting of northward journey of Son. Most of the auspicious things are done during this time.
Makar Sakranti is celebrated in almost all parts of India in varied cultural forms. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as “Pongal’’. In Harayana and Punjab, it is celebrated by the name of “Lohri”. In West Bengal, this festival is known as Pous Sankranti after the Bengali month in which it falls. In Gujrat, people offer thousands of their colorful oblations to the Sun in the form of beautiful kites which has been associated with this festival in a big way. It helps the maintenance of social relationships within the family, caste and community. It has become an internationally well-known event.
During this occasion, many fairs are held, the most famous being the KUMBH MELA, held every 12 years at one of the four holy locations, viz., Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Many tribals start their New Year from the day of Sankrant by lighting bonfires, dancing and eating their particular dishes sitting together. Thus, Makar Sankarnti signifies shunning the darkness of delusion and allowing the light within shine brighter.
Students' Oxygen movement view
15/01/2012
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment