What memory does kite-flying bring into your mind?
Makara Sankranti!
It is one Indian festival that brings a gush of memories to all of us. Exchanging gifts, sweets, clothes, etc. are a part of our childhood that hold a special place in our hearts even till date. Sankranti is celebrated on the same dateevery year, that is on 14th January. It is known as Pongal, Bihu, Lohri, Uttarayan, etc. in different states.
This festival marks the beginning of spring season and the Sun God is worshipped for moving from Tropic of Cancer to Tropic of Capricorn (Dakshinayan to Uttarayan). The sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign.
Significance of Makara Sankranti according to Hindu Mythology
In the religious text of Mahabharata, Bhishma, the grandfather of the Pandavas and Kauravas, had received a boon of choosing the time of his death. Though he was badly wounded, he chose to wait for an auspicious date to leave his body. He left his body on the day of sun’s succession on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, as he lied on a bed of arrows for almost a month. It is believed that souls that depart during this auspicious period will reach heaven.
Makara Sankranti is the time when nights become shorter and days become longer. It is the festival of harvesting of rabi crops.
It is one festival that is celebrated differently in many states of India. Sankranti is an auspicious day for all Hindus; it is symbolic of celebrating the movement from darkness unto light which also means eliminating the bad in ourselves to pave way for the goodness in us. While some exchange sweets, pray for the wellness of each and every one, others feed the children, animals and others in need.
Bring out the best side of your goodness and spread cheer in the lives of people who need some sort of assistance. This harvest festival, include young children and underprivileged people in your act of goodness. Like how you celebrate this festive season with your loved ones, support these people in need to help them celebrate. This festival of harvest, bring them closer to food that helps them survive without having to compromise on education.
Celebrate Sankranti with Akshaya Patra
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO that primarily serves mid-day meals to school children studying in Government and Government-aided schools of India. Running the world’s largest NGO-run midday meal programme, the Foundations aims to feed 5 million children every day. Moving towards the same, more kitchens are being set up with support of the Government of India, individual donors, corporate partners and volunteers. As of today, there are centralised and decentralised kitchens in 6 locations that serves hygienic food to children from low-income sections.
In times of calamities, the kitchens of Akshaya Patra that serve mid-day meals to children, concentrate on serving food to people in distress.
As you begin this festive season by fling kits, burning old stuff, letting go off small tiffs, etc. let us also give a thought to feed the children in need. Help them harvest the goodness that brought life into their dreams. Donate online towards feeding them with Akshaya Patra to support their food and education. You can make memories in the life of children who look forward to celebrating this Makara Sankranti in a better manner.
