Makar Sankranti is a festival that is celebrated all over India with fervour and gusto. Though the name of this festival may differ in different states, the preparation of sesame, rice and khichdi in various forms is a common feature. As per Bhavishya Puran Uttar Parva 122.3-4, consumption of sesame seeds (Til) in the month of Magh is highly beneficial as it helps to keep our body warm and the skin retains its softness. Let's see what the other religious books have in store for this festival.


Makar Sankranti As Per Religious Books:


1. MATSYA PURAN:

As per Matsya Puran chapter 98, this festival fulfilles all your wishes not only to this world but beyond. When Sun shifts to either north or south in Vishuv Yog, any worship is always beneficial during this period.


The rituals that you need to keep in mind during this time are as follows:



  • You should eat the previous night before sleeping.

  • The next morning brush your teeth with a piece of neem bark and bathe in water by adding sesame seeds.

  • On Sankranti draw an eight-petalled lotus and invoke the Sun by chanting mantras.

  • Worship it as many times as possible on that day.

  • Then worship its Vedi with Sandalwood, Flowers and Food.

  • You can also carry out donations as much as feasible.

  • Make offerings consisting of water, sandalwood and flower and chanting mantras to invoke Sun.

  • If possible, this process should be followed every month or at the end of the Hindu year.


2. PADMA PURAN:


As per Padma Puran, Patal Khand (80.20-40), people should offer fragrant rice to Bhagwan Vishnu in the month of Magh and feed the pious Brahmins (Parmatma Bhakta), as feeding to Parmatma Bhakta is akin to feeding Parmatma.


3. TEMPLES OF MUNNAR:


As per the book 'Temples of Munnar', chapter 6, author R Muthuswami, says that Pongal is celebrated to honour the Sun since it is the basis of our life. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month Thai which falls between 12 and 14 January in the Gregorian calendar. This is the time to worship Nature where Addalleshwar is worshipped by showering water on him. During this time, rice and sesame crops are ready and both are offered to the almighty.

Meanwhile, the people of Gujarat honour this festival by flying Kites which symbolise independence. Now it culture has spread across India. There is no mention in the scriptures about flying kites on Sankranti, yet people do this for fun and enjoyment. 

In Assam and other northeastern states, Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is celerbated, where along with the worship of the Sun, the worship of cows is also significant.