Sankranti: Lesser known facts

On the occasion of the Sankranthi festive season, let us know five lesser known facts about the festival.

1. Why is it called Makar Sankranti?

It is on Sankranti, the sun enters the sun-sign of Capricorn or Makar (Rashi). Therefore, the festival is named as Makar Sankranti. The word ‘Sankranti’ signifies sun’s movement from one zodiac sign to another. So, Makar Sankranti literally means the movement of the sun into Capricorn.

2. Days and nights are equally long

The day and night is believed to be equally long on Makar Sankranti, as the festival is one of the oldest solstice festivals and falls on the equinox. After the festival, it’s the beginning of spring or the onset of Indian summer and the days become longer and nights shorter. 

3. Why do we eat tilgul?

Tilgul is the part of Sankranti’s festivities, where sesame and jaggery laddoos or chikkis are distributed among all. It is also widely believed that, on Sankranti, the Sun God forgets his anger on his son Shani and visits him. So the people distribute sweets and are asked to spread joy around. Adding to it, as Sankranti falls in winter, eating of sesame and jaggery is considered healthy. Thus, it’s this sweet, which is believed to increase bonding with people around and also give good health.

4. Why do we fly kites?

People in the olden days, used to believe that, flying kites early in the morning, when the sun’s rays are not too harsh, allow the human body exposed to the sun for long hours. This sunlight is believed to be beneficial for the skin and body and keeps one away from all kinds of infections and sickness during the winter season.

5. Pilgrimages

Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh begins on Makar Sankranti. In Kerala and other southern regions, Shabarimala pilgrimage ends on this festival. Even, the people in other parts of the country, celebrate the festival, by taking a dip in the holy rivers flowing through the states to cleanse themselves of sins. If people die on Sankranti, they are believed to directly enter heaven, without rebirth.

mytelangana.com wishes a very Happy Bhogi, Sankranti and Kanuma to all our readers and well wishers.