🌞 Makar Sankranti – The Festival of Harvest & Sun..
Dear BJANA Family,
Festive Greetings!
As the sun begins its northward journey and the skies fill with vibrant kites, we welcome the joy of Makar Sankranti—a celebration of light, hope, and new beginnings.
Join us as we weave together the colors of tradition, the melodies of laughter, and the flavors of delight—Dahi, Chura, and Tilkut—in a day that warms the heart and uplifts the spirit.
Save the date, and let’s make this occasion a tapestry of togetherness and cherished memories. Your presence will be the brightest thread in our celebration.
Location:
Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
1916 Lakewood Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755
Makar Sankranti is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in India, marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). It usually falls on January 14th every year (sometimes January 15th), symbolizing the end of the long winter nights and the beginning of longer, warmer days.
✨ Significance
The day signifies the beginning of Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward journey, believed to bring positivity, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
📅 Rituals & Traditions
Holy Bath (Snan): People take a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings.
Offerings (Daan & Punya): Donating food, clothes, sesame seeds, jaggery, and blankets to the needy is considered highly meritorious.
Delicacies: Special dishes made of til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) such as tilgul ladoo, rewri, and chikki are prepared and shared, symbolizing sweetness and togetherness.
Kite Flying: In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, colorful kite flying fills the skies, reflecting joy, energy, and the spirit of freedom.
Regional Variations:
In Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri (bonfire festival).
In Tamil Nadu, it is Pongal, a 4-day harvest festival.
In Assam, it is Magh Bihu, marked with feasts and traditional games.
In Andhra & Telangana, it is Pedda Panduga.
🌸 Spirit of the Festival
Makar Sankranti is not just a festival of harvest but also a time of unity, charity, and joy. It brings families and communities together, celebrates the bond between humans and nature, and spreads the message.
