Makar Sankranthi
Makara Sankranti is known as Sankranti, Maghi, Magh Bihu, Lohri, Pongal etc. This is the time Lord Surya begins his journey from South to the North. Generally, this festival occurs in the month of January on 13th or 14th. This festival is celebrated with lot of bustle and excitement, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
This festival marks the start of the new harvest season. In the south, this festival is celebrated for two days – as Pongal and Kanu Pongal.
On the first day, farmers worship the cows. Multi-colored beads, tinkling bells, sheaves of corn and flower garlands are tied around the necks of the cows and they are worshipped. They are made to jump (leap) through burning fire to ward off evil. Ven Pongal is fed to them and an aarti is performed.
It is customary for people to do puja and distribute sesame seeds mixed with condiments, pieces of sugar cane and images made of sugar to friends and family.
One of the legend states that Siva asked his bull Basava to tell the people to have oil bath every day and eat once a month. Accidentally, Basava announced that everyone should eat daily and have an oil bath once a month. This mistake enraged Siva who then cursed Basava, banishing him to live on earth forever. He would plough the fields and help people to produce more food. Thus, the association of this day with cattle.
The second day people celebrate Kanu Pongal. The significance of “Kanu Pongal” is like that of Raksha Bandhan of Northern India. The women and young girls pray for the wellbeing of their brothers. And the brothers pay special tribute to their married sisters by giving special gifts affirming their love.
How to celebrate
Items required for puja
The following items should be purchased prior to the puja day.
One the day of the puja; clean the stoop and draw Rangoli, if possible, tie a string of mango leaves by the front door. Take a bath, wear clean clothes and follow the steps of the puja:
- Fresh and washed mango leaves
- Several varieties of fruits (banana)
- Sugar cane
- Sandalwood
- One coconut
- Kumkum
- Turmeric
- Rice
- Betel leaves and betel nuts
- Flowers
Puja at home (process) (Link to the complete puja process)
Watch Video
Hindu worship or puja at home requires idols (murtis/deity) and prayers (slokas/mantras). Usually the deity(s) or pictures are kept in a quiet place called a puja room. Puja in Sanskrit means “honor” or “worship”. We welcome God or Goddess the same way as we welcome our guests. If time is of the essence, the following steps can be taken for the puja:
On the first day, puja is performed to Lord Surya and home God/Goddess.
- Arghya can be offered to Lord Surya (offering water to the Sun), water is poured in the hollow of the cupped hands and raising it to the Sun and poured out chanting these words (O God with seven horses! Oh Lord! The light for the seven worlds (seven continents) please accept this Arghya.
On the second day, Kanu Pongal is celebrated
- Sit on a small carpet or low stool (raised wood plank) facing North or East.
- Create an altar for the presiding God/Goddess.
- Clean the place and God/Goddess by sprinkling few drops of water. Use a separate cloth to wipe the God/Goddess and later, apply Haldi (turmeric) & Kumkum to the them.
- Light the lamps and place in front of the God/Goddess.
- Keep betel leaves, nuts, flowers and fruits in a plate in front of The God/Goddess.
- After keeping the items in front of the God/Goddess, begin with Ganesh or Vishwaksena puja.
- Then, start chanting shlokas or mantras as per your family traditions.
- After worshiping with shlokas, you decorate the God/Goddess with flowers and offer Naivedyam, Pongal and Yel (Sesame seed preparation).
- Light aarti Diya and perform aarti.
- Finally, conclude with Pradakshina (circumambulation, which means going in a clockwise direction) namaskar at the end of puja.
- Give everyone present, prasad which you offered as Naivedyam.
On the Kannu Pongal day, the following is done:
- A banana leaf is washed and is placed on the floor.
- On the banana leaf place Venn Pongal and keep rice mixed with Kumkum and turmeric (this is done five times).
- Place betel leaves, betel nuts, two pieces of sugarcane, and banana.
- Puja is done to these ingredients.
- After all the women of the house complete this process, the banana leaf is folded and given to the cow to consume.
This is the only time people accept Til “yel” from others.
Suggested Chants
- Ganesha stotra or vishvaksana stotras (depends on the practice of your family)
- The following is sung on the Kannu Pongal day:
- Kaakaipidi vechen kanupidi vechen
Kanupidiyum kakkaipidiyum kalandhu nanum vechen
Paarthu vechen parappi vechen
Pachai ilayil nirappi vechen
Manjal ilaiyai virichu vechen
Magizhchi ponga pirichu vechen
Kaakaikum kuruvikkum kalyanam nu solli vechen
Niram nirama saadham vechen
Karimbu thundum kalandhu vechen
Vakai vakaiya saadham vechen
Vaazhai pazhamum serndhu vechen
Annan thambi kudumbamellam
Amoghamai vaazha azhagha vechen
Inippu pulippu thenkai saadham
Inpamai naanum eduthu vechen
Ellu saadham elumichai saadham
Ekanthamai naanum vechen
Kootu poriyal aviyal vechen
Kootu kudumbamai vaazha vechen
Dhoopa deepam kaati vechen
Thooya manathodu naanum vechen
Karpooram eathi vechen
Kadavulai vanangi vechen
Aarathi eduthu vechen
Aandavanai vendi vechen
Kanupidi vechen kaakai pidi vechen
Kanupidiyum kaakaipidiyum kalandhu naanum vechen
Kaakaikootam pola engal kootamum piriyaathirikka nan vechen
- Kaakaipidi vechen kanupidi vechen
Activity for kids
Have them mix the yellow rice and Kumkum rice
- ¼ cup of rice
- 1 teaspoon of Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon of oil
- Mix all the ingredients (keep aside for the puja)
Kumkum rice
Follow the same process as the turmeric rice