Uncovering the History and Story Behind Makar Sankranti: The Harvest Festival

Makar Sankranti is a popular harvest festival celebrated in India, Nepal, and many other South Asian countries.

It is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm, however, many people may not be aware of the significance and story behind the festival.

This article will uncover the history and story of Makar Sankranti, exploring the various customs and traditions associated with the festival.

It will also look at how the festival is celebrated in different parts of India and Nepal, giving readers a deeper understanding of the festival’s importance.

Additionally, it will discuss the symbols and rituals related to the festival, as well as the traditional foods associated with the celebration. 

Whether one is a Hindu or not, Makar Sankranti is a festival to be celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.

Let’s take a closer look at the history and story behind Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival.

What is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere.

It is observed on the day when the sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn, which takes place between January 14th and February 15th according to the Gregorian calendar.

The name Capricorn comes from Latin and is related to the adjective “cornu”, which means “horn”. The Latin name “Capricornus” was derived from this word, and was explained as “having horns like a goat”. The ancient Greeks called this constellation “Aigokeros”, which means “goat-horned”, while the Romans referred to it as “Capricornus”.

History and story behind Makar Sankranti

The story behind Makar Sankranti goes back to the time of Lord Krishna, whose birthday falls on this day.

The story goes that Lord Krishna was very fond of butter. He would eat a lot of butter, and would even put butter in his ears as a child.

One day, during the harvest season, the cowherd boys were out in the fields collecting the fresh produce with their cattle and goats. They would put the fresh produce in baskets to bring it home for their families to eat. But Lord Krishna would put the fresh produce in his ears, and eat the butter that came out. The boys felt bad, because they were not able to eat the produce themselves. Hence, they decided to put a big basket full of butter on top of Lord Krishna’s head. He would not notice, as he was too busy eating the butter. The boys then took a heavy rock and put it on the basket. The weight of the rock would cause the basket to crush Lord Krishna’s head and the butter would ooze out. But the rock did not crush the basket. The rock got stuck on the basket and did not fall down.

Makar Sankranti celebrations in India

On the day of Makar Sankranti, Hindus of Northern India perform a ritual known as “Kumari Puja”. In this ritual, the elderly members of the family give a basket of fresh produce to their young ones, along with a coconut, a pomegranate, and a betel nut.

The young ones offer a coconut, along with a lit diya (earthen lamp), flowers, rice, and a gold coin, to the goddess. The gift of fresh produce is offered to the goddess so that she continues to bless the family with good fortune. Another important festival observed on Makar Sankranti is the “Kali Puja”, which is celebrated by the people of Bengal by cleaning their home and putting flowers and a red-coloured Sari in it. The people of Odisha perform a ritual known as “Pua Puja”.

In this ritual, the people put a coconut in a basket full of fresh produce and offer it to their elders.

Makar Sankranti celebrations in Nepal

In Nepal, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as “Magha Sankranti”. On this day, the people of Nepal go out into the fields, clean the weeds and put new produce in the baskets.

The day is also celebrated as the Makar Sankranti in the Nepalese society. As in the Indian society, this day is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with people going out in groups to clean the weeds from the fields.

The day is also recognised as the New Year day of Nepalese society. The day is also celebrated as the New Year day of the Nepalese society

Symbols and rituals associated with Makar Sankranti

The harvest basket: The harvest basket is an important symbol associated with Makar Sankranti. The harvesting of the produce signifies the end of the rainy season, which is a major event in the region.

The harvest basket is painted with bright colours, and is placed in the centre of the house. The basket also symbolises the prosperity and abundance of the harvest season. The thread: As most Hindus wear thread on their wrist, the thread is an important symbol associated with Makar Sankranti.

The thread is worn by children and adults alike. The coconut: The coconut is a very important symbol associated with Makar Sankranti. It is used in many ways.

The coconut is offered to the goddess on this day so that she blesses the people with prosperity. The pomegranate: The pomegranate is another important symbol associated with Makar Sankranti.

The pomegranate is offered to the goddess on this day so that she blesses the people with prosperity.

Traditional foods associated with Makar Sankranti

The harvest festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. People take this opportunity to celebrate the end of the harvesting season with their loved ones.

Traditional South Asian dishes are prepared and served to mark the special occasion. Some of the traditional foods associated with Makar Sankranti are shown below:

- Rice: Rice forms an integral part of the traditional foods associated with Makar Sankranti. It is an important staple food in South Asian cuisines.

- Saffron or kesar: Saffron is an expensive spice that is used in Indian and other South Asian cuisines. It is used to impart a beautiful golden colour to the dishes. It is also used in other cultures, including the Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines.

- Coconut or nariyal: The coconut is used in many dishes, especially in South Asian cuisines. It is used in various forms, such as coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut oil, and coconut water.

- Curd or dahi: Curd is an important traditional food associated with Makar Sankranti. It is served as a starter, or as a side dish with the main course. Curd is an important source of calcium, so it is important to consume it.

- Poha: Poha is a popular traditional food served on Makar Sankranti.

It is a dish made of flattened rice, usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvesting season in India and other South Asian countries.

It is a happy time for the people, as they have been waiting for the harvesting season for a long time.

The harvesting period is a time for celebration, as the produce is fresh and abundant. The people can prepare many delicious dishes using the fresh produce, which is an added bonus.

It is believed that when the goddess sees the fresh produce being offered to her, she showers her blessings on the people.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. The harvesting season is a time for celebration, as the produce is fresh and abundant. People take this opportunity to celebrate the end of the harvesting season with their loved ones. Traditional foods are prepared and served to mark the special occasion. The harvest basket, the thread, the coconut, and the pomegranate are some of the symbols associated with Makar Sankranti. It is also the time when the crops are ready to be harvested. It is a wonderful season, and it is celebrated with great pomp and show.