The tradition of festivals is generally energetic and fun-filled. In India, there is always a strong connection with nature involved. Two significant festivals that come together to mark harvests and glorify the Sun God are Makar Sankranti and Pongal, which happen in mid-January and welcome a new season. While an all-India festival, it is of considerable importance in a few other states, but when it comes to Pongal, it acquires more relevance in Tamil Nadu. They differ in names and local customs, yet have the same spirit of thanksgiving, joy, and hope for a fruitful new year.
India is an agrarian country, and harvest season assumes significance. This is when farmers thank the almighty for the produce they reap after long efforts throughout the year. Makar Sankranti and Pongal mark this triumphant moment with an abundant harvest. Traditionally, rural people engaged themselves in agriculture as their means of subsistence, so harvest is always an essential reason for big celebrations. The harvest festivals celebrate nature's bounty and the labours of the farmers who tend their fields according to the season's change.
But beyond these fields, these harvest festivals remind everyone that humankind's relationship to the land remains significant. Though most of the people of today live in an urban space, these festivals remind them of their roots. It reminds one that the food on the plate is due to several months of toil and sweat. Marking this turning of seasons celebrating the benevolence of the Sun God in nourishing crops, Makar Sankranti and Pongal prompt all to take heed and appreciate the bounties of nature.
That day, the Sun enters into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi). It marks the beginning of Uttarayana, when the sun moves north, bringing longer days and ending the long, harsh winter months. In India, the festival is celebrated by different names in different places: Lohri in Punjab, Bihu in Assam, and Poush Sankranti in West Bengal, and the festival is enjoyed differently in all areas. Although there are other traditions, common to all of them is the fact that they celebrate the joyous changing of seasons with utmost devotion.
Among the most sought-after preparations for Makar Sankranti are til laddoos or sesame and jaggery balls. These sweet, crunchy goodies are goodwill gestures to friends and family. Sesame seeds (til) are a culturally and religiously significant material, pure and auspicious. Giving each other sweets made out of sesame and jaggery is said to bring unity and friendship, as the sweetness of jaggery is meant to infuse people with warmth and positivity.
Makar Sankranti is synonymous with kite flying in many places, particularly in Gujarat. Brightly coloured kites dot the blue sky, transforming rooftops into sporting venues for festival fun. Families and friends gather on terraces, competing to cut an opponent's kite string in a kite duel. The festival is enjoyable as the lively atmosphere is accompanied by music and laughter. People wake up before dawn to get the best wind conditions for flying their kites, and the sky remains abuzz with activity all day.
Kite flying is not only an entertaining activity but also has symbolic meaning. When the sun enters a more favourable phase, people believe the changing weather benefits their health. Flying kites in the early morning sun is considered a way to soak up vitamin D after the cold winter days. Thus, kite flying at Makar Sankranti embodies fun and a healthy tradition, blending leisure with culture and well-being.
In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the harvest festival is called Pongal. It’s a four-day event dedicated to thanking the Sun God, the rain, and the farm animals that play essential roles in agriculture. The term “Pongal” means “to boil over,” referring to boiling new rice in an earthen pot until it overflows. This act symbolises abundance and prosperity for the household. Families offer this sweetened rice to the Sun God accompanied by prayers for health, happiness, and success in the coming year.
Every day of Pongal has its customs and significance. The first day is Bhogi, where all the unwanted and old items are discarded for new beginnings. On the second day, Thai Pongal, families make the special Pongal dish in the morning sun. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is a day for cattle as they help till the fields and transport goods. People decorate their cows and bulls with flowers and paint their horns bright. The fourth day, Kaanum Pongal is for social visits and strengthening community bonds.
Makar Sankranti and Pongal emphasise community and sharing. Festive meals are a time for families to gather together and bond. Many relatives come to their houses and neighbours to prepare sweet and savoury delicacies, exchanging food, stories, warmth, and companionship. Children love dressing in new clothes, flying kites, and participating in community events. Adults make it a time to pause, reflect on the past year, and set intentions for the coming months.
In short, these festivals give a sense of unity and make us aware of the relationship between humans, nature, and tradition. The spirit of sharing is not limited to sweets but extends to sharing good fortune, happiness, and hope for a better future.
Makar Sankranti and Pongal mark the beginning of a fresh cycle of agriculture. They are renewal festivals with hope. While the rituals and customs revolve around thanksgiving for nature's blessings, the hopes are pinned on a brighter, more fruitful, productive future. Whether sharing sweet dishes, flying kites, decorating homes with kolams, or offering prayers to the Sun God, these festivals evoke a sense of optimism and profound gratitude.
The spirit of Makar Sankranti and Pongal lies in the celebration of the harvest, respect for age-old traditions, and bonding within the community. They are reminders of the enduring connection between humanity and nature and the joy that comes from a shared sense of purpose. By participating in these festivals—no matter where we live—we carry forward a legacy of gratitude, unity, and reverence for the land that nourishes us. All of these teach us to welcome change, share our blessings, and greet every new season with optimism and a grateful heart.
JAIN PU College, a part of the renowned JGI Group, is committed to empowering students with quality education.
Beyond academics, the college ensures its online content reflects the same standard of excellence. Every blog and article is meticulously vetted and proofread by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. From insightful educational topics to engaging discussions, JAIN PU College's content is crafted to inform, inspire, and add value to its readers, reflecting the institution's commitment to intellectual growth and innovation.
View all Blogs
