Makar Sankranti is a special celebration in Hinduism that marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It is usually celebrated on January 14th every year.
During Makar Sankranti, people fly colorful kites in the sky to welcome the warmer weather and to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Families and friends come together to fly kites, eat delicious sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, and exchange gifts.
The festival is also a time for giving thanks for the harvest and for the sun, which brings warmth and light to the earth. People pray for good fortune and happiness in the coming year.
Makar Sankranti is a joyful time when people come together to enjoy each other's company, celebrate nature, and give thanks for all the good things in their lives.
Overall, Makar Sankranti is a fun and colorful festival that brings people together to celebrate the changing of the seasons and to give thanks for all the blessings in their lives.
- What is Makar Sankranti and when is it usually celebrated?
- How do people celebrate Makar Sankranti?
- Why is Makar Sankranti a time for giving thanks?
- Imagine you are celebrating Makar Sankranti with your family. What activities would you do together?
- Why do you think it is important for people to celebrate festivals like Makar Sankranti?
Symbols and Traditions
Makar Sankranti is a special festival celebrated in Hinduism to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, known as Makar in Sanskrit. This festival is usually celebrated on January 14th or 15th every year.
- What does flying colorful kites during Makar Sankranti symbolize?
- Why do people take a holy dip in rivers during this festival?
- What is the significance of offering prayers to the sun god on Makar Sankranti?
- How do special sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery contribute to the symbolism of Makar Sankranti?
- Discuss the importance of spending time with loved ones during Makar Sankranti in relation to the festival's themes.
My Family and Makar Sankranti
Hi, I'm Ciara and I'm 8 years old. Today, I want to share with you all about how my family celebrates Makar Sankranti. Even though we're from Ireland, we love learning about different cultures and their traditions. Makar Sankranti is a special festival celebrated in Hinduism to mark the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, known as Makar in Sanskrit.
- Do you know what Makar Sankranti is and why it is celebrated?
- What do people do during Makar Sankranti to celebrate the end of winter?
- Why is flying colorful kites an important part of Makar Sankranti?
- What is the significance of taking a holy dip in rivers during this festival?
- Can you name some traditional sweets prepared and shared during Makar Sankranti?
Comparing Makar Sankranti to another Festival
After learning all about Makar Sankranti, is there another festival that you celebrate or that you know that is similar in any way? Make a project comparing the similarities and differences between this festival and Makar Sankrantiand think about what symbols and traditions that are part of it. Think about the story of the festival, if it has one, where it is mainly celebrated - whether it is one country or all over the world. You can produce the project using any medium whether it's paper or on a laptop.