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The day is marked by the confluence of Sun
with Zodiac Capricorn
Makarsankranti or Makar Sankrant is a Hindu festival.
It is celebrated on the day the sun enters the zodiac sign (rashi) of
Capricorn (Makar). Benefit of highest merit acquired by a Holy dip on the
day of Makarsankrant: The time from sunrise to sunset on Makar-sankrant is
auspicious. This festival, unlike other Hindu festivals, is not dependent on
the position of the moon, but on position of the sun. Normally it falls on
14th of Jan every year.
A holy dip in the river
People get up early in the morning this day to take a holy dip
in the near by rivers and offer prayers to Sun. Kala Til, Rice, Chura
(Rice flakes) Jaggery (Gur/Gud), Urad Dal are the offerings to the
Sun God. Children enjoys the special traditional home made sweets like
Tilkut, Til-Laddu, Lai-Laddu also called Banhui-Lai.
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Photo :: An old man offering prayer during the annual fair of
Magh Mela in Allah bad, India. Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP for BBC. |
Magh Mela at Allahabad
There is special significance of Holy dip in the rivers Ganga, Yamuna,
Gandak, Sone, Saryug and
at the Holy places situated on the banks of these rivers. The most famous is
them is Allahabad Magh Mela at Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna & Saraswati. It is
said there is one largest congregation of pilgrims here ever seen on the
earth. The Mela lasts for a month beginning from 14th of Jan.
Apart from Triveni, ritual bathing
also takes place at many places like Haridvar and Garh Mukteshwar, Sonepur,
Rivil ganj, Doriganj and various ghats of Patna.
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Photo :: Hindu pilgrims cross a pontoon bridge near the
Sangam, the confluence of River Ganga and River Yamuna, during the
annual fair of Magh Mela in Allahabad, India. Photo: Rajesh Kumar
Singh/AP for BBC. |
Khichari - Til Sankranti
Sankrant is called ‘Khichiri’ in
Bhojpuri belt of India and as mentioned above is observed with much funfair.
Elders get involved in all the devotional and religious rituals like taking
a holy dip in the rivers, offerings to the poor.
Dahi Chura, Tilkut & Banhui Lai as
Break fast.
Once all these rituals are over then whole
family sit together for special meal of Dahi-Chura (Yogurt and Rice Flakes),
Sabji and Tilkut. Today everybody has this meal either as break fast or as
Lunch or as both. Every Bhojpuri family cherishes this food where ever they
are.
Youth flies Kites in the
noon.
The day time is marked by the mass kites
flying. Kite is called Patang or Guddi. The whole sky of Bhojpuri towns are
dotted with kites. This day is also celebrated as the last day of kite
flying seasons and after this day no kites are flown. The children enjoy
most along with parents who ignites their good old days in helping children
to scale the sky with kites.
Khichari as Dinner in the night
The day ends with temple visit in the
evening. In the night special meal of Rice, Pulses and Vegetables are
prepared. It is called khichari. It is not normal kichari which is a sick
diet for most of north Indians. This Kichari is special one and served with
Yoghurt, Pickles and Cauliflower and taste of this meal lingers for long.
Conclusion :
Makar Sankranti is celebrated by Bhojpuri in grand style and it is indeed a
festival for which everyone look for. This showcases our great Indian
Culture. We must continue this tradition.
- by Bhojpuri Sansar
Team
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Photo :: An old woman along with many devotees offering
prayer during the annual fair of Magh Mela in Allahabad, India. Photo:
AP . |
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