The Prime Minister noted the overwhelming scenes at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, emphasizing its role in showcasing “unforgettable crowds” and “unimaginable scenes” that highlight the spiritual confluence at the Sangam. “This time many divine yogas are also being formed in Kumbh. This festival of Kumbh celebrates unity in diversity. People from all over India and the world gather on the sands of Sangam. There is no discrimination or casteism anywhere in this tradition that has been going on for thousands of years,” said PM Modi. He went on to highlight how participants, regardless of their background, partake in the sacred rituals such as the holy dip in the Sangam, community feasts, and sharing of Prasad—emphasizing the festival’s embodiment of unity.

PM Modi also pointed out that such traditions extend beyond the northern part of India, referencing the Pushkaram festival in the south. Just as Kumbh is organized in places like Prayagraj, Ujjain, Nashik, and Haridwar, similar events take place in the southern states along rivers like Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The common thread between these celebrations, PM Modi said, is the connection to India’s sacred rivers and shared spiritual heritage. “The organisation of Kumbh also tells us that our tradition binds the whole of India together. The ways to follow beliefs are similar in the northern and southern parts of India,” he added.

The Prime Minister expressed pride in the fact that the Maha Kumbh has gained global recognition and continues to draw large crowds, including a significant participation of the youth. He emphasized the importance of involving young people in these age-old traditions, asserting that this connection will ensure a bright future for India. “This time, youth is participating in huge numbers in Kumbh and when youth is associated with its traditions, its bright future is ensured,” he said. Moreover, PM Modi highlighted the growing digital footprint of the Kumbh, which has enhanced its global popularity and reach.

PM Modi also took the opportunity to mention the Gangasagar Mela, which was recently held in West Bengal during Makar Sankranti. The Mela, which saw lakhs of devotees taking a holy dip, was another example of India’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual practices that foster unity and social interaction.

The Prime Minister spoke about the significance of such festivals in promoting not only spiritual growth but also social, cultural, and economic cohesion. “Our festivals, Kumbh, Pushkaram, and Gangasagar Mela encourage our social interactions, harmony, and unity. It connects the people of India with its traditions. The way our scriptures have emphasized religion, wealth, desire, and salvation, similarly our festivals strengthen spiritual, social, cultural, and economic aspects,” he said.

In a broader context, PM Modi also addressed the celebration of the first anniversary of the Ram Lala consecration in Ayodhya, which took place on January 11. He underscored the need to preserve India’s rich heritage while continuing on the path of development. “We have to save our heritage while being on the path of development and move forward while taking inspiration from it,” the Prime Minister concluded.

Mann Ki Baat, launched on October 3, 2014, is a monthly radio programme where PM Modi interacts with the people of India, discussing important national issues. The programme, which airs on the last Sunday of every month, has now been scheduled for the third Sunday in January due to the Republic Day celebrations on the last Sunday. It is broadcast across India in 22 languages and 29 dialects, as well as in 11 foreign languages including French, Chinese, and Arabic.

Through Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi continues to engage with a wide audience, including women, the elderly, youth, and people from diverse regions and cultures, promoting national unity and pride while addressing critical issues affecting the country.

The post PM Modi Highlights Unity and Harmony at Maha Kumbh 2025, Emphasizes Global Recognition of Indian Festivals appeared first on FolksTimes.

The Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti holds both astronomical and cultural importance. Astronomically, it marks the day when the Sun begins its northward journey into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), a period known as “Uttarayana.” This transition is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. According to ancient beliefs, it is a time when the Sun, the source of all energy and life, begins to shine more brightly, bringing with it warmth, prosperity, and growth.

In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Vishnu instructed the gods to take a holy dip in the Ganges during this period. This is why Makar Sankranti is associated with spiritual cleansing and the belief that taking a dip in sacred rivers, particularly the Ganges, is beneficial for one’s soul.

Regional Celebrations and Traditions

While Makar Sankranti is celebrated all across India, the way it is observed varies significantly from region to region. Here’s a glimpse of how different states celebrate this vibrant festival:

1. Pongal (Tamil Nadu): Known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as a four-day festival. The first day, known as Bhogi, is dedicated to discarding old belongings and starting afresh. The second day, the main day of Pongal, involves cooking the traditional dish “Pongal” made from newly harvested rice. The third day is dedicated to the Sun God, and the fourth day is celebrated as Kaanum Pongal, where families come together for feasts and festivities.
2. Lohri (Punjab and Haryana): In Punjab and Haryana, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, primarily a festival of the harvest. The night before, huge bonfires are lit, and people gather around them singing traditional folk songs and dancing Bhangra and Gidda to celebrate the good harvest. Sweets like tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) are exchanged, symbolizing goodwill.
3. Uttarayan (Gujarat): In Gujarat, the festival is famously known as Uttarayan. The highlight of this celebration is the flying of colorful kites. People of all ages come together on rooftops, engaging in kite-flying competitions, and the skies are filled with vibrant colors. Special foods like undhiyu (a vegetable dish) and sweet treats such as chikki and sesame laddoos are prepared and shared among friends and family.
4. Maghi (Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan): In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the festival is known as Maghi. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and wearing new clothes. The day is marked by visiting temples, performing rituals, and giving away charity in the form of food and money to the less fortunate.
5. Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra: The people of Maharashtra celebrate Makar Sankranti by exchanging tilgul (a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery). It is a time to forgive past grievances and start afresh, with the common greeting of “Tilgul ghya, god god bola,” which means “Take the sesame and jaggery, and speak sweetly.” The festival is also marked by various traditional dances, feasts, and bonfires.

Cultural and Social Celebrations

Makar Sankranti is not only a festival of harvest but also a time for socializing and strengthening bonds within the community. The exchange of sweets like tilgul, tilkut, and gajak represents friendship, warmth, and togetherness. These sweets are made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and other ingredients that are symbolic of health and prosperity.

In rural areas, people often participate in fairs, which include folk performances, cultural dances, and sports. One of the popular sports associated with Makar Sankranti is kite flying, a pastime enjoyed by people of all ages. In many parts of India, Makar Sankranti is also a time for bullock cart races, wrestling matches, and other traditional games that showcase local culture and rural life.

Spiritual Significance

On a spiritual level, Makar Sankranti is believed to bring spiritual renewal. It is an auspicious day for charity, rituals, and pilgrimages. Many people visit sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, and Kaveri to take a holy dip, which is believed to purify the body and soul. Special prayers and pujas are performed to honor the Sun God, seeking his blessings for prosperity, good health, and success.

Food and Feasts

The traditional foods consumed during Makar Sankranti are deeply connected to the harvest season and the symbolism of warmth, energy, and prosperity. In addition to tilgul, people prepare dishes made from new crops of the season. Some of the popular foods include:

• Tilgul: A sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizing sweetness in life.
• Pongal: A rice dish made with newly harvested rice, typically served with lentils and spices.
• Undhiyu: A Gujarati vegetable dish prepared from winter vegetables.
• Sakkarai Pongal: A sweet dish made with rice, jaggery, and coconut in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival – it is a celebration of life, unity, and the abundance of nature. It serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude for the harvest, the warmth of the Sun, and the togetherness of family and community. The diversity of celebrations across India adds to the vibrancy and richness of the festival, making it a truly remarkable occasion that binds people together in joy and spirit. Whether through kite flying, dancing around bonfires, or simply sharing sweet treats, Makar Sankranti continues to be a festival that brings happiness, hope, and harmony into the hearts of all who celebrate it.

The post Makar Sankranti: A Festival of Joy, Harvest, and Unity appeared first on FolksTimes.