Transcript MAKAR SANKRANTI - Jagadguru Kripaluji Yog (JKYog)

MAKAR SANKRANTI
The transition of the Sun
WHAT IS MAKAR
SANKRANTI?
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On this day people thank the Sun God “Suryadev” for a good
harvest, and offer the first grain to him.
It marks the transition of the Sun into Makar Rashi, or the
zodiac sign of Capricorn.
From this day the Sun begins its 6 month long journey
towards the north, also known as Uttarayan. It’s considered
an auspicious time.
Makar Sankranti is the harvest festival of India
A It’s also known as the Thanksgiving festival of India.
Unique feature of this festival is that it’s always
celebrated on January 14th.
WHY IS IT CELEBRATED?
There are lot of reasons to celebrate this festival.
The Puranas say that on this day, Suryadev visits his son Shani, who is
the master of Makar Rashi. It’s said that the father and son do not get
along well. However, Suryadev still makes it a point to visit his son on
this day.
On this day, Lord Vishnu ended the powers if the Asuras by defeating
them and burying their heads under the Mandarachal Mountain. So
this occasion also represents the end of negativities and a beginning of
an era of righteous living.
WHY IS IT CELEBRATED
The importance of this day was highlighted during the
Mahabharat, when Bheeshma was intent to leave his body on
this day.
On this day, Shree Kripaluji Maharaj was invited by the Kashi
Vidvat Parishat and spoke in a sophisticated Sanskrit
language for ten days. They then unanimously conferred on
him the original title of Jagadguru. Devotee of Maharaj ji
celebrate it as “Jagadguru Divas”.
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
It’s celebrated in almost all parts of India, and the celebration
depends on the region.
Houses are cleaned, painted, and decorated and
kolams/Rangoli are made in front of the houses.
Many people take bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna or
visit holy places like Kashi , Prayag and pray to Suryadev.
Rangoli/Kolam
HOW IS IT CELEBRATED?
People buy new clothes for the whole family to mark
the festivities.
On this day, people visit each other and they exchange
sweets and delicacies.
Some foods people make are laddus made if sesame
seeds and jaggery. They are specialities of the festival.
CELEBRATION IN DIFFERENT
PARTS OF INDIA
Although Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughut
India, It is most elaborate, colorful and vibrant in the
south part of India especially Tamil Nadu.
It is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu which derives its
name from the ritual of boiling a mixture of rice, milk
and jaggery, and allowing it to spill over.
Pongal Celebration
This celebration last for four days.
The first day is called “Bhogi Pongal”. People clean their
houses and burn the useless household articles into a fire made
of wood and cow dung cakes.
This ritual symbolizes the destruction and elimination of bad
thoughts.
Continued---
Pongal Celebration
The second day of the festival is known as Pongal. Prayers are offered to the sun God
early in the morning.
Family members gather outside their house and cook Pongal in clay pots.
Clay pots are painted and decorated with turmeric, flowers and mango leaves.
When the rice inside the pot overflows. The people rejoice saying, Pongal o
Pongal!,as the overflow of rice symbolizes a prosperous farming for them.
People worship Sun God on this day by offering both pongal and sugarcane.
Sugarcane is offered as a symbol of sweetness and happiness in life.
Pongal celrbration
Pongal Celebration
The third day is known as “Maatu Pongal”. This day is considered as the day of
pongal for cows.
For villagers, the cow, a giver of milk and the bull which ploughs the fields are very
valuable and therefore farmers dedicate this day in honor of their cattles. This is a
thanksgiving for these two animals.
Cattles are washed and their horns are decorate with paint flowers .
A bull taming sport called “Jallikattu” is played on this day. A bull is left to run in an
open ground. Young men display their bravery by attempting to jump on the bull
and control it . People gather in thousands to watch this sport.
Pongal Celebration
The fourth day of pongal is called “Kaanum Pongal”. This day
is very similar to Raksha bandhan and Bhai dhooj celebrated in
northern India.
On this day women offers prayers for the well being of their
brothers.
People travel to see other family members and the younger
members of the family pay homage to the elders, and the elders
thank them by giving token money.
Celebration in other parts of
India
Gujarat, Rajasthan: People celebrate this festival by
flying kits. Lot of different colors and shapes kites are
flown in the sky and kite flying contest are held in
almost every town of the city. In Gujarat this festival is
known as “Uttarayan”.
Kite Festival
Celebration in other parts of
India
Punjab: In Punjab this festival is known as “Lohri”.
People get together around fire and sing dance till late
night.
Lohri Celebration
Celebration in other part of
India
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: It is known as
“Sankranti” in Andhra Pradesh and “Yellu-Bella” in
Karnataka. Womens in each hose hold prepare sweets
made up of jaggery, sesame seeds, coconut, groundnuts
and distribute to their friends and relatives.
Seasme Laddu
Celebration in other parts of
India
Maharashtra: It is called as “Tilgul”. This is a very
special day for married women who are invited for a get
together known as “Haldi-Kumkum” and share sweets
and give gift of utensils.
Haldikumkum celebration
SIGNIFICANCE OF
CELEBRATION
Makar Sankranti symbolizes a new beginning for everyone.
It’s an occasion to forget the past and allow new light to enter one’s
life.
It’s an opportunity for families to offer respect to the land and
animals that feed them on a daily basis.
It gives us a chance to thank God for prosperity and well-being
throughout the year.