Makar Sankranti, the festival of til chikkis and kites is here. Think a little on what all you know other than satiating til chikki desires. Read on to know many facts about Makar Sankranti.
Most of the Hindu festivals follow the position of the moon (based on lunar calendar), that’s why the dates of the festival changes every year. But Makar Sankranti is a festival which falls on the same date every year, celebrated on 14th of January. Because it follows the solar calendar. However once in eighty years due to revolution, the day is postponed by one day.
Meaning of Makar Sankranti
You must be curious to know why it is called Makar Sankranti, on Makar Sankranti transition of the Sun from Sagittarius (Dhanu, in Indian rashi) to Capricorn (Makara, in Indian rashi). That’s how ‘Makar’ word took place in the name. And ‘Sankranti’ means the movement of the sun from one Zodiac sign to another. Together it means the movement of the sun to Capricorn. Makar Sankranti holds special significance as day and nights are believed to be equally long, and starting of summer season in India. Then days become longer and nights shorter.
Why we distribute Til-Ghul
It’s important to know why we distribute til-gul (mixture of sesame and jaggery). Makar Sankranti is a festival of til-gul or til chikkis are distributed saying “til-gul ghya ani gud gud bola” which translates to ‘eat these sesame seeds and jiggery speak sweet words’. Thus by distributing sweets, everyone spread the joy around. Since the festival falls in the winter, eating of sesame and jaggery is good for health. So overall this festival signifies bonding and good health.
One more important thing about the festival is flying kites. Generally flying kites during early hours of the morning is preferable. Because when the sun rays are bright not too hot. While flying the kites our body is exposed to early morning sun rays, which is good for our health and body.
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