Essay on Makar Sankranti in English - 100, 200 and 500 Words

India has a vast variety of festivals, each with its own unique cultural, religious, and historical importance. One such event with a significant cultural history is Makar Sankranti. People worship God's Dharma, elevating it to a spiritual level even though it is a seasonal celebration, especially a harvest festival. Indians commemorate Makar Sankranti on January 14 of each year. The purpose of this festival is to mark the end of winter and the beginning of the new harvest season.

This Story also Contains

1. 100 Words Essay on Makar Sankranti
2. 200 Words Essay on Makar Sankranti
3. 500 Words Essay on Makar Sankranti
4. Rituals And Celebrations
5. Makar Sakranti in Different States

100 Words Essay on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, a combination of the words "Makar" and "Sankranti," designates the time when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Zodiac sign). In Hinduism, this day is celebrated as a festival since it is seen as being significant and auspicious. People worship Lord Surya in order to offer gratitude for his blessing on the fruitful grain harvest.

In India, people also believe that the length of the day starts to increase when winter comes to an end. Makar Sankranti is one of the most joyful Hindu celebrations. The festival is held each year on January 14 or 15 in accordance with the solar calendar. Hindus take a ceremonial morning bath in the river and offer prayers to the sun, one of the many Deities, as a way of paying respect.

200 Words Essay on Makar Sankranti

India is recognised for having a diverse population and a long history. Indians observe Makar Sankranti on January 14 to commemorate the day the sun enters Capricorn. Makar Sankranti is a popular festival celebrated in many parts of India. It is frequently referred to as the Thanksgiving of the Indians. Aside from that, it's harvest time, a time when people express gratitude to God for maintaining their fields' fertility or productivity.

Indians believe that taking a sacred bath in the Ganges will cleanse their souls of all their sins. Additionally, it is also a period of year when the days are long and the nights are short.

Another notable feature of Makar Sankranti is that people take a holy bath in the "Triveni Sangam," which is where the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the Saraswati rivers converge, on this day as part of the large gathering of people known as the "Kumbh Mela."

Festivals represent community, harmony, joy, and taste. Therefore, Makar Sankranti is the same as other Hindu holidays observed in India. One of the primary dishes served during Makar Sankranti is khichdi. It is primarily prepared with rice, lentils, and ghee. Sesame seeds, fried grains, jaggery, peanuts, and dry coconut are common foods eaten to celebrate this occasion.

500 Words Essay on Makar Sankranti

Every January, when the Sun enters Capricorn, or Makara, Hindus celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti. It is one of the few Hindu holidays that is based on the solar year which is why it happens annually on the same day. The lunar cycle is responsible for all other holidays. This day is particularly significant in Indian calendars since it signifies the end of the Poush month and the beginning of the subsequent Magha month.

Rituals And Celebrations

Charity is an important aspect of Makar Sankranti. Giving grains, rice, and sweets to those in need is part of the ritual. According to common belief, anyone who gives with an open heart will experience prosperity and happiness as well as have all their problems lifted from their lives by God.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the religious and cultural feast known as Maghi. One approach to worship the rising sun is to recite the Gayatri Mantra while giving water and flowers. The festival's signature food is a til and jaggery dish.

One of the main sports celebrated on Makar Sankranti is kite flying. On that day, we can see colourful kites soaring in the sky. On the night of Lohri, many communities kindle bonfires throughout the state to perform rituals and honour god. This celebration emphasises the importance of togetherness and kindness.

Makar Sakranti in Different States

Let us now see how different states of India celebrate Makar Sankranti.

Uttar Pradesh | The festival of giving, known as Khichdi, is commemorated on this day in Uttar Pradesh. It symbolises the start of the month-long Magh fair in Allahabad at the spot where the spiritual rivers Yamuna, Ganga, and Saraswati unite. On this day, in addition to eating and offering Khichdi, many people also fast.

Tamil Nadu | This day is commemorated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu. But in this region, Pongal celebrations go on for an additional four days.

Gujarat | On this day, Gujarat celebrates the kite festival with enthusiasm.

Haryana and Punjab | The states of Punjab and Haryana observe this day as Lohri. People congregate around a campfire and dance while throwing popcorn and puffs of rice into the flames.

Bihar | Khichdi is an essential part of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Bihar. The celebrations also include the donation of urad, rice, gold, clothing, and other items.

Maharashtra | To commemorate this day, married ladies in Maharashtra give salt, oil, and cotton to other married women.

How I Celebrate the Festival of Makar Sankranti

Every year, my grandmother sits us down in the afternoon and narrates the origin story of the festival to all the kids in the house. She told us that Makar Sankranti holds roots in Indian mythology and that the God Sankranti killed demon Sankarasur which is why Makar Sankranti is observed to mark this victory. She also explains how Makar Sankranti is celebrated 80 days later than usual in order to coincide with the earth's ascent around the sun. On the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun is said to start moving towards the north and because of this ‘Uttarayan movement’, this day is also known as Uttarayan. Afterwards, we all recite the Gayatri Mantra with all the adults of the house while worshiping the sun. My mother and grandmother also prepare special delicacies such as rice khichdi, coconut chikki, ganee ki kheer etc. for the lohri rituals at night.

You can also read: Essay on Makar Sankranti in Hindi