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  • Makar Sankranti Festival

    Makar Sankranti in Uttarakhand celebrates the Sun's journey into Capricorn with kite flying, sweets, bonfires, & a community feast, marking the harvest season.



Makar Sankranti is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India, and it holds a significant place in the cultural calendar of Uttarakhand as well. The festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), which is a key astrological event that symbolizes the beginning of the harvest season. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious fervor, especially in northern India, and Uttarakhand is no exception. The festival is a celebration of nature’s bounty, social unity, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Makar Sankranti falls around January 14th each year, though the exact date can vary slightly based on the solar cycle. Unlike most Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti follows a solar calendar, making it a fixed date celebration in many parts of India.

History of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti has its roots in ancient Hindu mythology and astrological traditions. The festival marks the day when the Sun begins its northward journey into the sign of Capricorn (Makar), which is known as “Uttarayan.” According to Hindu beliefs, the Sun’s northward journey brings longer days and shorter nights, symbolizing a victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

In the historical context, Makar Sankranti is linked to the harvest festival, as it falls after the winter solstice, a time when the cold weather begins to subside, and the days start getting longer. Farmers celebrate this time as it marks the harvesting of winter crops like sugarcane, sesame, and mustard. The festival is, therefore, a time to offer gratitude for the harvest and to invoke blessings for a good agricultural season ahead.

Mythologically, Makar Sankranti is associated with several legends, one of the most prominent being the story of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his son Shani (the planet Saturn). It is believed that on this day, Lord Surya visits his son Shani’s house in Capricorn, which is a rare event that symbolizes familial harmony and unity. This auspicious day is also linked to the story of Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata, who waited for Makar Sankranti to depart from the mortal world as it is considered an ideal time for a peaceful death.

Where Makar Sankranti is Celebrated in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, with its unique culture, landscapes, and traditions, celebrates Makar Sankranti with great zeal. The festival is celebrated not only in the plains but also in the hilly regions of the state, where local customs and practices add a distinct flavor to the celebrations.

  • Dehradun: The capital city of Uttarakhand is one of the most popular places to celebrate Makar Sankranti. The festivities are marked by colorful processions, kite flying competitions, and gatherings in temples where devotees offer prayers to the Sun God. The vibrant atmosphere of the city comes alive with the local markets filled with people buying traditional sweets like til-gud (sesame and jaggery sweets), a customary offering during Makar Sankranti.

  • Haridwar: As one of the holiest cities in India, Haridwar witnesses a special celebration of Makar Sankranti. Devotees from all over the country visit Haridwar to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganges River. It is believed that bathing in the Ganges on this day helps cleanse one’s sins and brings good fortune. The ghats of Haridwar are adorned with lamps, and the evening aarti is a sight to behold.

  • Rishikesh: Known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh celebrates Makar Sankranti with spiritual fervor. The town sees large gatherings of people who perform rituals, take holy dips in the Ganges, and participate in various spiritual activities. The festival in Rishikesh is a mix of devotion and celebration, with local traditions and cultural performances filling the streets.

  • Almora and Nainital: In the hill stations of Uttarakhand like Almora and Nainital, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with traditional rituals, folk dances, and local fairs. People dress in their best attire and gather for community meals. The scenic backdrop of the Himalayan mountains adds a unique charm to the celebrations in these regions.

  • Other Villages: In the rural villages of Uttarakhand, Makar Sankranti is celebrated in a more rustic and heartfelt manner. Farmers participate in prayers for a bountiful harvest, and local fairs feature traditional handicrafts and foods. The villages come together for bonfires, folk dances, and singing traditional songs that express gratitude for the harvest and the hope for good fortune in the coming months.

When the Festival Occurs

Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the 14th of January every year, though the date can slightly shift by a day based on the solar calendar. The festival begins at sunrise and continues throughout the day. On this day, the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar) and begins its northward journey, signaling the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days.

In Uttarakhand, as in other parts of India, the entire day is devoted to religious observance. People wake up early, take ritual baths in holy rivers, perform prayers to the Sun God, and engage in community gatherings. The festival is primarily celebrated during the day, with evening prayers and aarti at temples and riversides.

Festival Attractions in Uttarakhand

  • Kite Flying: One of the most exciting and visually striking aspects of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Uttarakhand is kite flying. The skies are filled with colorful kites as children and adults alike compete in friendly kite-flying contests. Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar are especially known for their large kite-flying events, where people come together to celebrate with great enthusiasm. The sight of hundreds of kites soaring in the sky is a symbol of joy and freedom.

  • Traditional Sweets: Makar Sankranti is synonymous with til-gud (sesame seeds and jaggery). These sweets are exchanged among friends and family as a gesture of goodwill and a symbol of sweetness in life. In rural areas, people make til laddus and other traditional sweets, and they are shared with neighbors and guests. These treats are rich in nutrients and energy, making them ideal for the winter season.

  • Bonfires: In many rural parts of Uttarakhand, bonfires are lit in the evening, symbolizing the warmth and light that dispels the cold. This is a time for communities to come together, sing folk songs, dance traditional dances like “Dhol” and “Chholiya,” and celebrate the harvest season with joy and gratitude.

  • Religious Rituals and Bathing: Makar Sankranti is considered an auspicious day for performing religious rituals. Devotees visit temples, especially the temples dedicated to the Sun God, and offer prayers for health, prosperity, and the welfare of their families. In Haridwar and Rishikesh, the main attractions include taking a dip in the holy Ganges, as it is believed to purify one's soul.

  • Fairs and Festivals: Many regions of Uttarakhand host local fairs and festivals on Makar Sankranti. These fairs feature handicrafts, traditional art, food stalls, and various cultural performances, attracting both locals and tourists. The folk dances and performances of local artists add to the festive atmosphere, making it a rich cultural experience for visitors.

  • Community Feasts: Makar Sankranti is a time for families and communities to come together. People cook and share meals with neighbors, friends, and relatives. The community feasts are an essential aspect of the festival, where dishes made from newly harvested crops are enjoyed by all.

So, The Makar Sankranti in Uttarakhand is a celebration of life, nature, and the Sun God. The festival brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the harvest season, share good food, perform religious rituals, and participate in community activities. The beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand, combined with the rich cultural and religious significance of the festival, make Makar Sankranti an unforgettable experience for all who partake in it. The festival’s universal message of light over darkness and the bond between nature and humanity resonates deeply with people in Uttarakhand and across the country.