A much-awaited festival celebrated across the country is here – Makar Sankranti. Although mostly celebrated in villages, the cities are also abuzz during this festival. In the heap of fruits, flowers and groundnuts on the bustling streets and main roads, we can see this festive fervour. Though the burgeoning cities have taken away the calmness that villages hold, certain things stay unchanged… certain traditions lie deep within.
Different Names. Same Festive Spirit
Dedicated to Lord Surya, this Harvest Festival sees families coming together to express gratitude for the blessings they received in the past year and pray for a prosperous one ahead. It is celebrated in different names in different regions. For instance, in Tamil Nadu, it is Pongal, in Kerala, Makaravilakku; in Andhra Pradesh, Peddha Panduga; Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra and Goa; Uttarayana in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Maghi Sangrand in Punjab and many more. Though the core festive spirit remains the same, each region has its own rituals, traditional food and cultural richness.
Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, marking the Sun’s journey from south to north. Beyond its cultural and regional variations, Makar Sankranti also holds deep spiritual significance in Indian mythology. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha, who had the boon of Ichha Mrityu (death at will), lay in the bed of arrows for six months, wounded, waiting for the Uttarayan period to leave his body. This is another example that shows the auspiciousness of this time, inspiring us to perform good deeds and spread positivity.
Feed Children. Donate on this Occasion
As Makar Sankranti marks the end of Malmaas, an inauspicious period in Panchang (the Hindu calendar), it is an ideal time to perform good deeds like feeding children. As the Sun moves north – the abode of Kubera, the god of wealth, it brings positivity and blessings, dispelling negativity from our lives.
On this festival of nature’s abundance, support Akshaya Patra’s school feeding efforts. As an organisation feeding nutritious meals to 2.35 million children every day, we rely on the generosity of people like you to continue this endeavour.
With a contribution of ₹1,500, you can feed a child on this Sankranti for an entire academic year. Your support helps children:
- Sit in class well-nourished
- Stay active and energetic
- Play and enjoy childhood
- Improve their attendance
- Perform well in academics
By participating in festival donations, you can bring hope, health, and happiness to thousands of children this Makar Sankranti.
This Makar Sankranti, let your generous side shine brightly as the rising sun. Make a Makar Sankranti Donation today and ensure that every child is well-fed in kindness.
