To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom.This signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the Sun does from this day!
the great grand-sire of Mahabharata fame, Bhishma, declared his intent to leave his mortal coil on this day. He had the boon of Ichha-Mrityu(death at his will) from his father, so he kept lying on the bed of arrows till this day and then left his mortal coil on Makar Sankranti day. It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana, becomes free from transmigration(rebirth). So this day was seen as a definite auspicious day to start a journey or endeavours to the higher realms beyond.The festival is highly regarded by the Hindus from North to down South. The day is known by various names and a variety of traditions are witnessed as one explores the festival in different states.
Owing to the vast geography and diversity of culture in India, this festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons and in innumerable ways depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location. On this day children fly kites.đł
In India it is known by different regional names
- Makar Sankranti or Sankranti - Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Orissa, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
- Uttarayan- Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Maghi - Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab
- Pongal - Tamil Nadu
- Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu - Assam Valley
- Shishur Saenkraat - Kashmir Valley
- Khichdi- Uttar Pradesh
- Makara Sankramana - Karnataka
In other countries too the day is celebrated but under different names and in different ways
- In Nepal-Maghe Sankranti
- Tharu people - Maghi
- Other people - Maghe Sankranti or Maghe Sakrati
- In Thailand - Songkran
- In Laos - Pi Ma Lao
- In Myanmar - Thingyan
- In Cambodia - Moha Sangkranđ
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