Just as Pongal illuminates Tamil Nadu, Lohri warms Punjab, and Bihu or Magh Bihu delights Assam, Makar Sankranti brings joy and revelry to Odisha, with celebrations unfolding across the state in a vibrant display of pomp and gaiety.
Makar Sankranti is a grand celebration that marks the Sun’s journey towards the northern hemisphere, bringing longer days and warmer weather. This festive occasion is met with great enthusiasm as people from all walks of life come together to soak in the festive fervour.
About Makar Sankranti
As we know Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14 marking the Sun’s entry into the Makara zodiac sign (Capricorn). The day also marks the beginning of the sun’s trip toward the northern hemisphere known as Uttarayanam. That’s not all. The festival of Makar Sankranti also marks the end of winter and long days.
This festival is a vibrant display of colour and culture, with kite flying, feasting, and bathing in holy rivers being some of the popular activities. In some regions, bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning of negativity. At the same time, animals like cows and bulls are worshipped and decorated as a mark of respect for their contribution to agriculture.
Makar Chaula
At the heart of the celebrations is the revered dish, Makar Chaula, a sweet and sticky pudding made with rice, milk, jaggery, banana, and coconut. Sometimes, sesame and sugarcane are also used to prepare this sweet and sticky pudding. This nutritious delight is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a powerhouse of iron, protein, fibre, and minerals. As a token of appreciation for the harvested crops, Makar Chaula is offered to Lord Jagannath, along with other delectable dishes as a token of appreciation for the crops harvested after a period of labour and toil. It is said that Makar Chaula filled with iron, protein, fibre and minerals works wonders for your body as well as improves your skin and hair.
Trinity’s Special Besha On Makar Sankranti
In Puri Jagannath temple, the celebrations take on a special significance, as the sibling deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are adorned in magnificent attire, complete with the distinctive Makara Chula headgear. This besha is called Makara Chaurashi Besha. On this occasion, the deities are offered Makara Chaula.
Going by mythology, Lord Sun visits the house of his son Shani who is the Lord of Makar Rashi on this day. In Puri Jagannath temple, the Makar Sankranti festival is observed as Utarayan Jatra and Uttrayan Vandapana. Lord Jagannath, and his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra dressed in costumes of Makar Chaurashi Besha, the triad wears Makara-chula (a sort of head-gear). Makara chaaula is taken around the Temple in a procession, which is called Makara bedha. For Makar Niti, the deities are decorated by the flower given by Odia mutt, makar chula given by Jagannath Ballav Math, Taada from Alam Chandi Mandir.
This festival is a testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage and its people’s deep connection with nature and tradition.
Kite Flying
One of the most iconic traditions of Makar Sankranti is flying multi-coloured kites, which dot the sky with a kaleidoscope of colours. But this delightful custom has a deeper significance. According to ancient wisdom, exposure to sunlight is essential for overall well-being, particularly during the winter months. The sun’s rays are believed to have healing properties, aiding in the recovery of skin diseases and winter-related disorders.
Moreover, sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, making it a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. As people take to the skies with their kites, they are, in essence, embracing the sun’s nourishing energy.
For many, flying a kite is also a way to express gratitude and appreciation to the divine. As the kite soars high, it symbolizes the connection between the individual and the universe, fostering a sense of oneness and harmony.
