Bhubaneswar: Makar Sankranti marks the shifting of the Sun into the northern hemisphere and ever-lengthening days. The festival is a seasonal observance as well as a religious celebration.
Flying kites, savouring traditional sweets, and ritualistic dip in rivers and visit temples are key elements of the festivities.
It is predominantly a harvest festival and celebrated throughout India, from north to south and east to west. While it is called Makar Sankranti in West India, Down south, it is known as Pongal and in the north, it is celebrated as Lohri. Uttarayan, Maghi, Khichdi are some other names of the same festival.
People gather in large numbers to light bonfires on the first day, which is celebrated as bhogi, while the second day Makar Sankranti is dedicated to the Sun God (the transition day of Sun into the Makar Rashi).
Makar Chaula
Makar Chaula is the special prasad for Makar Sankranti. It is prepared in every temple and Odia household. The rice used is preferably from the fresh harvest. There are slight variations in the ingredients depending on the regions where it is prepared.
In Odisha, people prepare Makar Chaula with uncooked newly-harvested rice, banana, coconut, jaggery, sesame, rasagola, khai/liaa and chhena puddings for ‘naivedya’ (offering) to gods and goddesses.
Flying Kites
People of all age groups fly kites on the occasion. Along with the adults, children also enjoy flying kites and having fun on this day.
There is also a scientific reason behind this celebration. During winter, it is common for the body to get afflicted with various infections such as cold and cough. Skin also gets dry. Exposure to the sun’s rays aids in the recovery of skin diseases and winter-related disorders. It is also a quality source of vitamin D which is considered good for health. People do not directly face the Sun while flying kites, rather their backs are towards the sun. Flying kites also makes the arm muscles stronger.
Celebrations at Jagannath Temple In Puri
Makar Niti is performed at Jagannath Temple in Puri. For the Makar Vesha of the deities, Bada Odia Matha provides garlands made of different flowers and Basil leaves.
Thousand of devotees throng the temple for darshan of the sibling deities and to partake Makar Chaula.
Special Makar Mala and Makar Tada are provided to the temple on this occasion. Makar Chaula prasad is prepared using these Tada.
Tusu Parab
Makar Sankranti is also known and celebrated as Tusu Parab in northeastern Odisha. Rice and paddy are the core constituents of this harvest festival and Tusu, the last paddy stack on the field brought by the family’s head, is worshipped by young girls. The festivities held on the last day of the Hindu month of Paush also include food, fairs, music, or Tusu gaan.
As a tribute to the cosmic Goddess Tusu, girls decorate a wooden/ bamboo frame with coloured paper and then gift it to the nearby hilly river.
Tusu Parab is not just a celebration of the harvest but also a cultural expression of the region’s rich traditions, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between the people and the land.
