5 Things to do during Sankranti

Let’s deck the skies in all colors of harvest!

Sankranti marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Hindu calendar. This festival also marks the end of winter and the welcoming of the Sun God. This festival is symbolic to the farming community as well; it is celebrated as the beginning of a new Harvest season.

In different parts of Sankranti has their own meaning and way of celebration. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, this is celebrated as the festival of donation. The cuisine Kichidi is eaten and distributed in the community. In the state of Punjab Lohri is celebrated which signifies the arrival of spring and the harvest of the rabi crop. This festival is of mass importance as harvest means financial gain. In the state of Tamil Nadu, Pongal is celebrated on the 14^th of January each year to thank Mother Nature for the bounty of the harvest. The traditional sweet – Pongal is prepared and is prayed over to offer thanks to nature. The state of Assam celebrates Bihu, it is one of the important festivals of the state. Assam celebrates this festival with music, dance, and gathering. The state of Andhra Pradesh celebrates Sankranti to mark the harvest of sugarcane. This is accompanied by Kites flying competitions in different parts of the sate

If you are someone who wants to indulge in this wholesome festive experience of entering the New Solar Calendar, here are few things you should try:

Kite Making

Kite making will get you into the festive mood and it will also get the whole family together.

The supplies you will need are:

1. Stick (Wooden thin strips)
2. Kite Paper
3. String

Watch this video to know how to make your own kite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8cI7EN97oU

You can decorate it will various elements to make it more attractive.

Sesame Seeds and Jaggery Sweet

Sesame seeds and jaggery sweet or commonly known as til ka ladoo is a specialty during Sankranti festivities. These Ladoos are easy to make and highly nutritious. They are one of the main cuisines of a general rural winter diet.

Here is an easy way to make Til ke ladoo this festive season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4OwfJgOVvE

Rangoli

Rangoli are art made from rice powder, sand, and flower in front of the homes to brighten up the festivities. There are various types of rangoli design that one can experiment with.  The floral patterns usually preferred during festivities. There are stencils that are available in the market.   Check out this video rangoli inspiration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8QxZuJn_fc

Pongal

Pongal is a sweet dish prepared in the southern part of India during the harvest festival. The word Pongal means ‘boiling over’. This is a highly nutritious dish made of a mix of rice, lentils, milk, and jaggery. This dish is prepared early in the morning and prayed upon before distributing it. If you choose to make it on LPG Cylinder, think of your safety. The best Gas Safety Device in the market is IGT Gas Safety Device.  Check out this video for an easy traditional Pongal recipe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QekVNg3OVZc

Kite flying competition

During the season the Indian skies are filled with varied shapes and colored kites. Each lane has its own kite flying competition. It is a fun-filled activity for the whole family and neighborhood. Loud music, kites flying, and shouts saying ‘kata kata’ are a common sight. This is something you should not miss. Kite flying is something that cannot be learned by watching a video, yet you can check out the video to learn some techniques https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2PlAwXD6Uk

Make sure to use safe maanja to fly kites!

The most important thing during this festivity is to spend quality time with your family. Have good food and relax in the company of your loved ones. Let the season of harvest bring you happiness and joy!