MAKARA SANKRANTHI
Power and Devotion
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Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness as days grow longer.
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Devotees honor Surya (Sun God) with
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The prayers, Surya Namaskar, and offerings of sesame & jaggery.
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Charity (daan) is considered the highest devotion, spreading compassion and blessings.
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Visual idea: A sunrise background with silhouettes of people offering prayers.
Divine Significance of Makara Sankranti
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Marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara Rashi) → beginning of Uttarayan.
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Associated with Bhishma’s moksha in the Mahabharata, symbolizing liberation.
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Considered one of the most auspicious times for holy baths, meditation, and new beginnings.
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Visual idea: Astronomical illustration of the Sun’s northward journey.
Rituals and Customs
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Holy baths (Snan) in sacred rivers.
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Surya Puja with sesame, jaggery, and water offerings.
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Kite flying festivals in Gujarat & Rajasthan.
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Bonfires (Lohri) with dance and music in Punjab.
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Cooking Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
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Community feasts & games in Assam.
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Visual idea: Carousel of images showing each ritual.
Honoring God
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Sunrise prayers facing east.
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Temple visits with special pujas.
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Acts of charity as a way of honoring Surya.
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Visual idea: A temple silhouette with glowing sun rays.
Makara Sankranti in Contemporary Times
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Urban celebrations Include Kite festivals, fairs, and cultural programs.
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Digital engagement: Online recipes, virtual pujas, social media campaigns.
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Eco‑friendly practices: Biodegradable decorations, safe kite strings.
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Visual idea: Blend of tradition and modernity — kites flying over city skylines.
Products for Makara Sankranti
Traditional Ingredients
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Plain Sesame Seeds (Til): Used in puja offerings and til‑gud laddoos.
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Chopped Jaggery (Gud): Symbol of sweetness and prosperity, mixed with sesame for Sankranti sweets.
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Dry Chopped Coconut: Adds richness to festive dishes and laddoos.
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Roasted Sesame Seeds: Crunchy and aromatic, perfect for snacks and rituals.
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Sugar‑Coated Sesame Seeds: A colorful treat for children and festive gifting.
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Sugar Cubes: Offered during puja and used in traditional sweets.
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Roasted & Peeled Peanuts: Essential for Lohri bonfires and til‑peanut chikkis.
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Fried Gram (Roasted Bengal Gram): Nutritious snack, often mixed into Sankranti sweets.
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Kites & manjha (strings) for Uttarayan.
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Til‑gud sweets, Pongal rice mixes, jaggery laddoos.
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Decorations: Rangoli powders, lamps, and eco‑friendly puja kits.
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Gift hampers: Sesame sweets, dry fruits, and traditional attire.