How to Celebrate 4days Sankranthi Festival Celebrations in Full Swing

Why Do We celebrate Sankranthi Festival? Significance:

Sankranthi festival, also known as Makar Sankranthi, is celebrated primarily as a harvest festival in various parts of India. The festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and signifies the end of the winter solstice. It is one of the few Hindu festivals that follows the solar calendar rather than the lunar calendar. Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a festive time marked by various cultural, religious, and traditional activities.

Dates of Sankranthi/pongal 2024:

Date and Timing:

Sankranthi festival is celebrated for 4days on January 14th as Bhogi,15th as Makar Sankranthi & 16th as Kanuma also on 17th as Mukkanuma depending on the solar calendar in Andhra pradesh and Telangana. Each day has its own rituals and festivities.

How to Celebrate Sankranthi Pongal?

Here are some things you can do to celebrate Sankranti:

DAY1 – Bhogi:

Bhogi is the first day of the four-day Makar Sankranthi festival celebrated in the southern states of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. It usually falls on January 14th of each year. The day is dedicated to discarding the old and welcoming the new, symbolizing the removal of negativity and the beginning of a fresh, positive phase. Here are key aspects of Bhogi:

Bhogi Ritual (Bonfire old things and holy bath): Bhogi manta and Bhogi snanalu:
- The central feature of Bhogi is the lighting of a bonfire, known as the Bhogi Mantalu. People gather old and unwanted items such as clothes, utensils, and furniture and burn them in the bonfire. This ritual signifies letting go of the past and embracing new beginnings. Every one in the house take an early morning holy bath – applying traditional bath powder and shampoo.
- NOTE: Add Neem Leaves and turmeric powder in hot bathing water and have them for both hygienic and tradition purpose.
Cleaning and Decoration: Sankranthi Mugulu
- Leading up to Bhogi, homes are thoroughly cleaned, and families get rid of old and unused items. After the cleaning, houses are adorned with colorful kolams/mugulu (rangoli), and fresh decorations bring a festive atmosphere. Marigold flower decoration elevates the traditional vision.
Traditional Foods:
- Special dishes are prepared on Bhogi using the freshly harvested rice and other seasonal ingredients. Pongal, a dish made with rice and lentils, is often cooked in traditional pots.
- Checkout More Traditional Sankranthi Recipes:
  - ARISALU
  - JANTHIKALU
  - BOONDI
  - GULABI PUVULU
Cattle Worship: Holy Cow Worship
- In some regions, cattle are bathed and decorated as part of the festivities. People express their gratitude to these animals for their support in agriculture. Cow is worshiped as holy Divine & Respect her today specially and show our gratitude.
Family and Community Gatherings:
- Bhogi is a time for family and community gatherings. People come together to celebrate and share the joy of the festival. Cultural events, traditional dances, and music performances are organized in many places.
Festive Attire:
- People dress up in new traditional attire on Bhogi. It is a day for families to come together, exchange greetings, and enjoy the festive spirit.
Significance of Fire:
- The bonfire is not just a ritual for discarding old possessions; it is also seen as a symbol of the Sun God, who is worshipped during Sankranti. The fire is believed to bring warmth and prosperity.
Bhogi Pandlu:
- In some regions, children celebrate Bhogi Pandlu, a tradition where they collect money or gifts from elders as a token of blessings.
HARIDASU:
- The Sankranthi festival begins with traditional vibes from Haridasu, who has regalia attire and sings traditional historical stories and roams all over the streets. He is offered with rice mostly as donation and seek his blessings.

DAY 2 – Makar Sankranthi:

Makar Sankranti, commonly known as Sankranti, is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). Makar Sankranthi is a festival that celebrates the natural cycles of the Earth, agriculture, and the changing seasons. It is marked by a spirit of joy, gratitude, and the coming together of families and communities.

Harvest Celebration:
- Sankranthi festival is predominantly a harvest harmony, celebrating the culmination of the winter harvest season. It is a time for farmers to express gratitude for the successful harvest and to pray for a prosperous agricultural year ahead. The Sun is considered a vital source of life and energy. During Pongal and Sankranthi festival, people express gratitude to the Sun God for providing warmth and light, essential for the growth of crops.
Sun’s Transition:
- The word “Sankranthi” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Sankramana” or “Sankranti,” which means the transition of the Sun. It marks the movement of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
Kite Flying:
- Kite flying is a popular tradition during Sankranthi festival, especially in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Colorful kites fill the sky, and people engage in friendly kite-flying competitions. The act of flying kites symbolizes reaching new heights and is also seen as a way to welcome the sun’s brighter and longer days.
Pongal and Special Dishes:
- In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the Sankranthi festival is known as Pongal. A special dish called Pongal, made with newly harvested rice, is prepared and offered to deities. Sesame and jaggery sweets are also popular during this time.
Holy Dips:
- Many people take holy dips in rivers, especially the Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari, to cleanse themselves and seek blessings. This practice is believed to purify the body and soul.
Rangoli Designs:
- Create vibrant rangoli designs outside your home, using colorful powders, flower petals, or rice flour. Traditional rangoli patterns add to the festive decor. In some villages, rangoli competition are held on rangoli.
Prepare Pongal:
- Participate in the traditional ritual of preparing Pongal, a dish made with newly harvested rice, lentils, and jaggery. Offer the first produce of the harvest to the deities as a sign of gratitude.

DAY 3: KANUMA

Kanuma is the third day of the four-day Makar Sankranti festival celebrated in the southern states of India, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Here are some key aspects of the Kanuma festival:

Cattle Worship: Kanuma is dedicated to the worship of cattle, particularly cows and bulls. People clean, decorate, and adorn their cattle with vermilion, turmeric, and flower garlands. This is done as a gesture of gratitude for the essential role cattle play in agriculture.
Acknowledging Cattle Contribution: Cattle, especially cows and bulls, are traditionally used in plowing fields and other agricultural activities. Kanuma is a day to honor these animals and express appreciation for their hard work.
Pujas and Rituals: On Kanuma, special pujas (worship ceremonies) are performed for the well-being of cattle. Offerings such as fruits, jaggery, and other traditional items are made to seek blessings for the prosperity and health of the animals.
Traditional Attire and Festive Meals: People often dress in traditional attire on Kanuma, and special meals are prepared as part of the celebrations. Traditional dishes, including those made from freshly harvested ingredients, are shared with family and friends.
Cultural Events: In some regions, cultural events, folk dances, and music performances are organized to celebrate Kanuma. These events showcase the rich cultural heritage of the communities.
Family Gatherings: Kanuma is a time for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company. It is a day of bonding, sharing festive meals, and participating in the joyous atmosphere.
Connection to Agriculture: While Bhogi and Sankranti focus on the harvest and the changing position of the Sun, Kanuma emphasizes the agricultural aspect by recognizing the significance of cattle in farming practices.

DAY 4: MUKKANUMA

Here are some key aspects of the Mukkanuma festival:

Feast and Celebrations: Mukkanuma is a day of feasting and celebrations. Families come together to share special meals that often include a variety of traditional dishes, sweets, and festive foods.
Cleaning and Rituals: Similar to the cleaning rituals observed on Bhogi, Mukkanuma is a day for cleaning homes, cattle sheds, and tools. It signifies the end of the four-day Makar Sankranti festival and is associated with the idea of starting the new year with cleanliness and order.
Worship of Cattle: While Kanuma is specifically dedicated to the worship of cattle, Mukkanuma also involves caring for and honoring these animals. Cattle are considered sacred, and their well-being is important for agricultural activities.
Traditional Attire: People often dress in traditional attire on Mukkanuma, adding to the festive atmosphere. Traditional clothing may include sarees, dhotis, and other culturally significant garments.
Cultural Events: In some regions, cultural events, traditional dances, and music performances are organized on Mukkanuma. These events celebrate the cultural heritage of the community and provide entertainment for the festive occasion.
Closure of Festivities: Mukkanuma marks the conclusion of the Makar Sankranti festivities. After the rituals and celebrations on this day, life returns to normal, and people resume their daily routines.

Sankranthi Festival all over India:

Sankranti festival, also known as Makar Sankranti, is celebrated in various states of India, although it may go by different names and have unique regional customs and traditions. Here’s how the Sankranthi festival is celebrated in some states:

Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (Makar Sankranti):
- Sankranthi festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, people take holy dips in rivers like Ganga and Yamuna. Kite flying is a popular activity, and sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery are consumed.
Gujarat (Uttarayan):
- Sankranthi festival Known as Uttarayan, the Sankranthi festival is marked by the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. The skies are filled with colorful kites, and people engage in friendly kite-flying competitions.
Punjab and Haryana (Lohri):
- Sankranthi Festival is celebrated as Lohri, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. A bonfire is lit, and people sing and dance around it. It marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days.
Assam (Magh Bihu):
- Sankranthi festival, celebrated as Magh Bihu, this festival in Assam is marked by traditional Bihu dance, community feasts, and the lighting of Mejis (bonfires). Traditional Assamese sweets are prepared.
Tamil Nadu (Pongal):
- Pongal, a four-day harvest festival, is celebrated with fervor in Tamil Nadu. The festival involves cooking a special dish also called Pongal, which is made of newly harvested rice, and traditional rituals.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (Sankranthi):
- Sankranthi is a major festival in these states, and it is celebrated for four days. The festival involves Bhogi, Sankranthi, Kanuma, and Mukkanuma, each with its own set of rituals and activities.
Maharashtra (Makar Sankrant):
- Makar Sankrant is celebrated with the exchange of tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) and offering prayers to the Sun God. Kite flying is also a popular activity in Maharashtra.
Rajasthan (Makar Sankranthi):
- The Sankranthi festival is celebrated with kite flying, traditional sweets, and bonfires. People also take holy dips in rivers and give donations to the needy.
Karnataka (Sankranti):
- Sankranthi festival is celebrated with the exchange of ellu-bella (a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, peanuts, and gram) and the flying of colorful kites. The festival marks the end of the winter solstice.
West Bengal (Poush Sankranti):
- Sankranthi festival Known as Poush Sankranti, this festival is celebrated with special dishes made from newly harvested rice and jaggery. People take part in fairs and cultural events.

These are just a few examples, and variations of the festival are celebrated in many other states, each with its own unique customs and regional significance