Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: January 14 marks the significance and celebration of festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Lohri, which are observed across India.
- The festivals mark the transition of seasons, symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of warmer months.
- Makar Sankranti and Pongal are associated with the northward journey of the sun (Uttarayan), signifying longer days and the shift towards the Capricorn zodiac sign.
Features:
- The festivals follow the solar cycle and are celebrated on almost the same day each year.
- Rituals include bathing in sacred rivers, offering Naivedhya to the Sun god, charity, Shraddha rituals, and breaking fast during Punya Kaal, with variations across regions.
- In Tamil Nadu, the four-day Pongal festival involves cleaning houses, decorating entrances, and celebrating the toil of bulls on the third day.
- Special dishes like Pongal (rice mixed with boiled milk and sugar), lemon and tamarind rice, vadas, and Payasam are prepared.
- Various regional customs include door-to-door exchanges of plates containing sugarcane, sesame seeds, and jaggery, symbolizing sharing and spreading happiness.
- Kite-flying occurs in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and sky lanterns are flown in the evening.
