Makar Shankranti in Orissa

Makar Shankranti in Orissa is celebrated during the month of 'Magh'. It is one of the harvest festivals of Orissa. Makar Shankranti at Orissa marks the commencement of Makara raasi, the journey of the Sun to the Northern Hemisphere.

Makar Shankranti of Orissa signifies the Uttarayana Punyakalam. Uttarayna Punyakalam is the celebrated throughout the country. The celebration of the festival begins by the devotees taking holy dips and worshiping the sun.

The month of 'Magh' is considered to be the most auspicious time, when Bhishma of Mahabharata is said to have died. Makar Shankranti festival of Orissa is said to be the beginning of the year. The tribals of Orissa celebrate Makar Shankranti as a New Year festival. The tribal community of Orissa light bonfires; the festival is characterized by eating and dancing. The Bhuya organize Maghyatra during the festival.

According to the legend, Sankranti was a deity, who slayed Sanskarasur. The Hindu almanac provides the details of the festival. The almanac presents the details of the form, clothing, age, etc. of the deity. The almanac also provides the changes occuring in the deity in accordance with 'kal' (time).

The festivities of Makar Shankranti in Orissa include the consumption of sesame such as tilgul. Offering sesame seeds to the Brahmans, lighting lamps in the temple of Lord Shiva and performing particular rites also form an integral part of the festivities of the festival.