BENGALURU: One of the most significant festivals celebrated according to the solar calendar in Indian culture is 'Makar Sankranti'. Signaling the end of winter and the arrival of spring, this festival brings the excitement of harvest to farmers and a message of prosperity to the people.

1. Significance and Mythology of Makar Sankranti

The moment the Sun enters the Capricorn (Makara) zodiac sign from Sagittarius (Dhanu) is known as 'Makara Sankramana'. From this day, the Sun begins its northward journey, called the 'Uttarayana Punyakala'. According to mythology, passing away during Uttarayana is believed to lead to Moksha (liberation).

2. Celebrations in Karnataka: The Tradition of Sharing Ellu-Bella

In Karnataka, Sankranti is synonymous with the famous proverb: "Eat sesame and jaggery and speak sweet words" (Ellu-bella thindu olle maathadu).

Preparation of Ellu-Bella: A mixture of molded jaggery, peanuts, dry coconut, fried gram, and white sesame is prepared. Sharing this with neighbors is a symbol of love, harmony, and friendship.

Sugarcane: Sweet sugarcane is an inseparable part of this festival.

3. The Harvest Festival for Farmers

This is the auspicious time when farmers bring fresh crops home from the fields. They wash their cattle (oxen), paint them, decorate them, and perform pooja. In some regions, a unique ritual called 'Kichchu Haayisuvudu' (making cattle jump over fire) is performed, showcasing deep respect for the animals.

4. Different Forms of Sankranti across India

Sankranti is celebrated under different names across the country:

Tamil Nadu: Celebrated as 'Pongal' over four days.

Punjab: Known as 'Lohri'.

Gujarat: Celebrated as 'Uttarayana' with a massive international kite festival.

Assam: Celebrated as 'Bhogali Bihu'.

5. Speciality of Sankranti This Year

Sankranti 2026 is being celebrated with great fervor even in cities like Bengaluru. While many people are returning to their villages to celebrate at their roots, the tradition of colorful Rangolis and the sweetness of Ellu-Bella remains alive and well within urban apartment cultures. Sankranti is not just a religious ritual; it is a festival that heralds the eternal relationship between Nature and Mankind. May this harvest festival bring new energy and prosperity to everyone's lives.