How is Sankranthi Celebrated Differently Across Various States in India?
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Sankranthi
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sankranthi is celebrated for three days. On the first day, Bhogi, people clean their homes, discard old items, and burn them to symbolize new beginnings. The second day, Sankranthi, is dedicated to prayers for the Sun God and food offerings. The third day, Kanuma, focuses on cattle, with rituals performed for animals, especially bulls, which are vital for farming. Special foods like pulihora and sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery are prepared and shared with loved ones.
Tamil Nadu: Pongal
In Tamil Nadu, Sankranthi is celebrated as Pongal over four days. The first day, Bhogi, involves discarding old items and cleaning homes. On the second day, Pongal, a sweet and savory rice dish made with freshly harvested rice, milk, and sugarcane is cooked and offered to the Sun God in gratitude for the harvest. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to cattle, with prayers and decorations for cows and bulls. The fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, is for family reunions, where people visit relatives, exchange gifts, and enjoy music, dance, and folk performances like kolam and silambam(a martial art).
Maharashtra: Makara Sankranthi
Makar Sankranthi in Maharashtra is a lively festival celebrated with various customs, including the exchange of tilgul (a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery) with the greeting “Tilgul ghya, god god bola,” promoting harmony and goodwill. Kite flying is a key tradition, filling the skies with color. Families enjoy sweets like Puran Poli and tilgul ladoos, while cattle are decorated and worshipped in rural areas. The day includes socializing, community events, and folk music, celebrating the harvest and the season’s warmth, symbolizing renewal, unity, and gratitude.
Punjab: Lohri & Maghi
In Punjab, Lohri and Maghi celebrate the end of winter and the start of the harvest season. Lohri, the first day, is a lively festival with bonfires, traditional songs, Bhangra and Gidda dancing, and offerings of sesame seeds, jaggery, and sugarcane to honor the harvest. The next day, Maghi is more spiritual, with people taking holy dips in rivers and praying to the Sun God for health and prosperity. Lohri celebrates abundance, while Maghi focuses on rituals and prayers, together bringing the community together in celebration and spiritual practices.
Gujarat: Uttarayan
Uttarayan in Gujarat is one of the grandest celebrations of Sankranthi.’Uttara’ means ‘north’ and ‘Ayan’ means ‘movement’. It is particularly famous for the grand tradition of kite flying. On this day, the skies are filled with colorful kites, and people gather on rooftops to engage in friendly kite-flying competitions. Special sweets like undhiyu (mixed vegetables dish) and tilgul are prepared and shared, and families visit each other to exchange gifts and enjoy meals. In rural areas, it is also a time for cattle worship and celebrating the harvest.
Assam: Magh Bihu
In Assam, Magh Bihu and Uruka are key parts of the Bihu festival. Uruka, celebrated on the eve of Magh Bihu, is a day for family and community gatherings, featuring a feast and the Meji (bonfire) to mark the end of the old year and the start of the harvest season. Traditional foods like pitha (rice cakes), larus (sweet balls), and local delicacies are enjoyed. Magh Bihu, the main day, celebrates the harvest of crops like rice, mustard, and sugarcane with community gatherings, Bihu dance, and games. In rural areas, bullock cart races, cockfights, and other games add to the festive spirit.
Though Sankranthi is celebrated across India, its regional variations showcase the diversity of the country. From the sugarcane offerings in Tamil Nadu to the kite flying in Gujarat, the harvest festival transcends regional boundaries, connecting people through a shared sense of gratitude and joy. Regardless of how it’s celebrated, Sankranthi remains a time for renewal, reflection, and celebration of the abundance of nature. It is a festival that reminds us of the importance of family, tradition, and community, all while bringing together people from different walks of life in a vibrant celebration of culture.
"HAPPY SANKRANTHI"
Author Bio:
G.V.L.Saranya
3rd year B.Tech ECE (Andhra University)
G.V.L.Saranya
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