Read this article to know about the religious festival Makar Sankranti in West Bengal. This article contains the rituals associated with the auspicious day Makar Sankranti.
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is one of the most important harvest festival celebrated in India. Besides having socio-geographical importance it contributes to its religious and historical significance. This festival is celebrated in different parts of India in different ways according to their culture and religion.
Date and significance of name
Makar Sankranti is held around 21 days starting from 20thor 23rd December showing the Sun’s Journey to the Northward direction. According to the Hindu calendar which begins around mid-December makes it an auspicious and sacred festival for any Hindu family. The festival symbolizes divinity and freedom which gives an eternal meaning to it.
‘Sankranti’ comes from the Sanskrit word “Indian Astrology” which means transition of ‘Surya’, the Sun from one ‘Rashi’, zodiac sign to another. “Makar Sankranti” symbolizes the transmigration of the Sun from “Dhanu” Rashi, Sgittarius to” Makara” Rashi, Capricorn. On the day the Sun travels to the house of Saturn, the lord of Makara Rashi, Zodiac Capricorn. Sun being the father of Saturn stays in his son’s house for one month. So this day also shows the importance of father- son relationship.
Celebration of Makar Sankranti in West Bengal
Sankranti is well known as Poush Sankranti in West Bengal which falls on 14th January on the English calendar celebrated as Poush Parbon. Khejurer Gur and Patali prepared from the freshly harvested paddy with the palm syrup are used to make various types of Bengali sweets known as Pithey. Goddess Laxmi is worshipped on this auspicious day.
No comments:
Post a Comment