Makar Sankranti/Pongal

-
Makar Sankranti/Pongal

Makar Sankranti, denoting the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path, is celebrated as a festival for countless reasons and in myriad ways depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location. A Sanskrit word in Indian Astrology, Makar Sankranti refers to the transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi to another. Hence there are 12 such sankrantis in all. However, the Sankranti festival usually refers to Makara Sankaranti. Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion. Millions of people take a dip in places likeGanga Sagar and Prayag and pray to the Sun God (Surya).

It is celebrated with pomp in southern parts of India as Pongal, and in Punjab as Maghi. Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by Tamil people at the end of the harvest season. Pongal is a four day festival which usually takes place from January 13 to 16 in the Gregorian calendar i.e., the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi to the third day of Tamil month Thai. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Tamil people in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry and Sri Lanka.

#Srilanka #TamilNadu #Pongal #MakarSankranti #Festival 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Avoid Plastic and Save Environment

-
Image
Avoid Plastic and Save Environment Plastic is like a common commodity which is essential in our daily lives. Bakelite, nylon and rubber are some examples of synthetic plastics. Almost everything is made of plastic! They are very convenient to use because of their malleability and plasticity. They can be easily moulded by heating. Plastic product may be non-toxic, but some small amounts of the chemicals remain trapped in the product. As a result, when these plastics come in contact with food stuffs, the chemicals mix with the food which we subsequently consume. Plastics are non-biodegradable solids. When we burnt, they release some toxic fumes which cause ozone depletion and pollution; many chemicals are released into the air as well as into water. All these bear hazardous environmental consequences. Plastics are made of crude oil and can be used as fuel. One litter of hydrocarbon is produced from one kilogram of plastic waste. Over 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year w
Read more

‘Vanguards of Change’: Simple yet Extraordinary thinking

-
Image
By Dr. Arvind Kumar, President, India Water Foundation Congratulations on winning the #Padmaawards for the year 2020. We, at India Water Foundation is elated to hear individual’s diverse and momentous endeavors. The award is a reflection of the endless dedication and sincere efforts towards their work which they truly deserve. Their innovative and out-of-box solutions make them distinguished as true Champions of Change. On the eve of 71st Republic Day 2020, Padma awards were given to citizens of India in recognition of their contribution to the society in spheres such as education, literature, science, medicine, social service, etc. Eminent personalities like George Fernandes, Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Kannada spiritual icon Sri Vishveshateertha Swami of Pejavar Matt were chosen for the second-highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan posthumously. We have individuals like Harekala Hajabba, who understood the importance of education in today's time and put in eff
Read more

Dispel Darkness of Ignorance This Diwali

-
Image
Dispel Darkness of Ignorance This Diwali By Dr Arvind Kumar Asato maa sadgamaya Tamaso maa jyotirgamaya M ṛ ityor maa am ṛ itan gamaya Om shaanti shaanti shaanti “From the unreal, lead us to the Real; from darkness, lead us unto Light; from death, lead us to Immortality. Om peace, peace, peace.” Lighting the lamp of true knowledge to dispel darkness of ignorance looming large on our minds is the need of the day. On this festive occasion of Diwali, let’s pray to God: `Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya’ (Lead me from darkness unto light). Without emphasizing the obvious we may say that it is the inner darkness that needs to be dispelled. When the pall of ignorance envelops the inner self, and the individual loses his sense of direction, his mind becomes numb and he loses his mental equilibrium. He fails to tell what is right and what is wrong. He becomes aimless and rudderless. He is caught in the whirlpool of false beliefs and superstitions leading to observance of meani
Read more