Magha Sankranti: An Ultimate Festival of Hindu Unity

The first day of Magha month of Hindu calendar is called Magha Sankranti. This marks the shift of the sun from ‘Dakshinayana’ to ‘Uttarayana’. That is from now on the rising point of sun will shift towards the northern side. This day also marks the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign Sagittarius to Capricorn.

  In Pahari areas of the sub continent, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti or simply Maghe Sankranti especially in Nepal. It is celebrated with great delight. The day is called ‘Maghi’ by Magar people same in Mithilanchal and Tharuhat and celebrated accordingly as per their practices. In Kathmandu valley by Newars, it is called ‘ Gyah chaaku sanlhu’. On this day special warmth giving foods are consumed. Some of the food items that are consumed are clarified butter, jaggery, roots and tubers, laddu made-up of sesame etc.

  In India every year on the celebration of this day a mass gathering takes place in Prayagraj called ‘Kumbh Mela’. This day is celebrated as ‘ Thai Pongal’ by people of Tamilnadu India, as Makar Sankranti by people of Andra, Bengal, Bihar, Goa, MP, Maharastra, Manipur etc. The day is celebrated as Magha Bihu in Assam and Shakrain in Bangladesh.

This is one of the unique festivals that can play a key role in uniting Hindus. Let us be united and happy Makar Sankranti !!




Comment below describing how this festival is celebrated in your locality.