Makar Sankranti at Hotel Rama Heritage, Nashik

We have all welcomed 2018 now, and as our country is know for its different culture and festivities, here comes our very first Indian Festival "Makar Sankranti".

As the time passes our coming generations have questions in mind, What and why are we celebrating today!!?? Especially here in India, today I was just passing by a kite shop and overheard a little wonder questioning his father "Why do we fly kites today?" So today Hotel Rama Heritage, Nashik would like to tell you about its scientific, astrological and festival significance.


What is the meaning of Sankranti?

Sankranti means transmigration of Sun from rashi (zodiac sign) to the next. It is the only festival that is celebrated on a fix 14/15th January of English Calendar unlike other Indian Festival dates that vary in Hindu Calendar.



Why do we celebrate?
 It is a Hindu festival which is celebrated in almost all the parts of India and Nepal in a myriad of cultural forms. It is a harvest festival which is celebrated among all the religions. It has been given different names by different regions such as Lohri by North Indian Hindus, Sikhs and Punjabis. Pongal by South Indian Hindus, Bhogali Bihu by Assamese Hindus.
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How do we celebrate in Maharashtra?

Here in Maharashtra, people offer halwa , til-guddd-laddoo , Puran Poli in lunch. While exchanging til-gud people greet each other with words " Til-Gud ghyaa ani goad goad bola"
which means "Accept this sweet and utter sweet words". The purpose of this tradition is to forget the past ill-feelings and hostilities and resolve to speak sweetly and remain friends.


What do other states eat?


1) In Bihar and UP khichdi is prepared from rice and urad dal. The offering is first of all made to family God. People exchange Khichdi and other eatables with each other. People of Bihar and UP also celebrate this festival in the name of khichdi festival.

Related image2) Like Bihar and UP there is a tradition of eating khichdi and Til on Makar Sankranti in MP and Chhatisgarh as well. People here, also make Gujia.

3) In South India, on the day of Makar Sankranti, Pongal is celebrated with rice, jaggery and dal. Different varieties of raw vegetables are taken and a mix veg is prepared. This is first offered to Sun God and then taken by everyone. There is also a tradition of eating sugarcane.

4) In Punjab and Haryana , people include specially mustard Saag and Chapattis of corn in different dishes, on this day. There is a tradition of eating Tilgut, Rewdi and Gajak, this day. Apart from corn people also have peanuts and sweets.



This is how our country celebrate "Makar Sankrati with Kite flying, bonfires, fairs, surya puja in river, feast, arts, dance and socialization.



Image may contain: textA social appeal by Hotel Rama Heritage, Nashik

Every year during this day, several birds are seen getting deeply injured due to the sharp thread used to fly kites. Kindly be careful with what you do as it is firmly believed that "To enjoy at the cost of someone's life is not an enjoyment." Hence we request you to avoid harming any living being unintentionally. If you find any bird injured kindly take it to nearby clinics. Save them!!

Love the Birds, Not Kites.





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