Makar Sankranti vs USA Sankranti

                                                                   SANKRANTI

Sankranti, or Makar Sankranti, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated across India and several other countries in South Asia. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is considered an auspicious occasion that signifies the end of winter and the arrival of the harvest season. The festival usually falls on January 14th or 15th, depending on the solar calendar.

Key elements of the celebration include:

1. Kite Flying: In many regions, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, kite flying is a major activity, with vibrant and colorful kites filling the sky.

2. Bonfires: In parts of India, especially in Punjab (where it is called Lohri), bonfires are lit to mark the occasion. People gather around the fire, sing folk songs, and dance.

3. Harvest Celebrations: The festival is closely linked to the harvest season, especially the harvesting of crops like sugarcane, sesame seeds, and rice. People offer thanks for the harvest and pray for prosperity in the coming year.

4. Traditional Foods: Different regions prepare special sweets, often made with sesame seeds and jaggery. For example, in Maharashtra, people make "tilgul" (a sweet made of sesame and jaggery) and exchange them with friends and family, saying "Tilgul ghya, god god bola" (Take sesame and jaggery, speak sweet words).

5. Cultural Events: People often engage in folk dances such as "Bhangra" and "Gidda" in Punjab, and in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as "Pongal" with various rituals, including cooking the first rice of the season in an open pot.

Sankranti is celebrated with fervor and joy, symbolizing positivity, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness.

USA SANKRANTI

In the United States, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by Indian communities, particularly in states with a significant Indian diaspora, such as California, New Jersey, Texas, and Illinois. Although it is not a national holiday in the U.S., the festival has grown in popularity among Indian Americans and is celebrated in various ways. Here are some of the key ways Makar Sankranti is observed in the USA:

1. Cultural Celebrations and Community Events

• Many Indian-American communities organize cultural festivals, fairs, and gatherings that include traditional music, dance (like Bhangra, Garba, and Dandiya), and folk performances.
• Large-scale events are often organized by cultural organizations and temples, especially in metropolitan areas, where people can come together to enjoy festivities, including performances and traditional rituals.

2. Kite Flying

• Kite flying is a prominent activity during Makar Sankranti in India, and this tradition has also been embraced by many in the United States. For example, in cities like Los Angeles and Houston, Indian communities host large kite-flying events, where people of all ages gather in parks or open spaces to fly colorful kites.
• These events often involve friendly competitions where participants try to cut each other’s kites, creating a festive atmosphere.
  
  
  

3. Sankranti Parties

• Indian families and friends host Sankranti parties at their homes or community halls. These parties often include traditional food, music, and games, as well as the sharing of tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets), a symbol of warmth and goodwill.

4. Pongal Celebrations

• While Makar Sankranti is observed across India, in South India, it is celebrated as Pongal, a multi-day festival that marks the harvest of rice. In the U.S., South Indian communities, particularly Tamilians, celebrate this with prayers, cooking the "Pongal" dish, and other customs. Temples and cultural organizations may organize special prayers and events to mark the occasion.

5. Charitable Activities

• Some communities take this opportunity to engage in charity work by distributing food, especially sweets like tilgul, to the less fortunate or donating to causes related to education and social welfare.

6. Regional Variations

• Depending on the region and the background of the Indian diaspora (e.g., Punjabi, Gujarati, Tamil, etc.), the ways in which Makar Sankranti is celebrated can vary. For instance, Punjabis may hold Lohri bonfire celebrations, while Gujaratis might emphasize kite flying and community feasts.

Though Makar Sankranti is not a public holiday in the U.S., it is a time for Indian Americans to come together, celebrate their culture, and participate in traditions that are meaningful to them, whether through festivals, family gatherings, or community events.

 FLYKITE 

Children love participating in kite flying during festivals like Makar Sankranti, and it’s a fun and engaging activity for them. Here’s how kite flying is particularly enjoyable for kids during this festival:

1. Colorful Kites

• Brightly colored kites with fun shapes and patterns are exciting for children. They often get involved in choosing or designing their kites, and it becomes a creative activity.
• Kites can be found in various fun themes, from traditional diamond-shaped kites to those in the shapes of animals, cartoon characters, and other playful designs.

2. Learning to Fly Kites

• Flying a kite is an enjoyable learning experience for children. With guidance, they can learn to launch the kite, manage the string, and control its flight.
• It’s a wonderful way for kids to practice patience and hand-eye coordination while having fun outdoors.

3. Friendly Competitions

• Kids often engage in friendly kite-flying competitions to see who can fly their kite the highest or who can keep their kite in the air for the longest.
• Some kite festivals for children include kite-flying contests, where they compete to see who can cut the most kites of others (in the traditional manner) or simply keep their kites in the air the longest.
  
  
  

4. Community Events

• Many community kite flying events during festivals like Makar Sankranti are organized specifically for kids. These events often feature kite-making workshops, where children can create their own kites with the help of family or organizers.
• These events are often accompanied by games, food stalls, and music, making it a full day of fun and entertainment for children.

5. Building Teamwork

• Flying kites together encourages teamwork, as children may partner with parents, siblings, or friends to launch and manage their kites.
• It helps children understand the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility.

6. Educational Aspect

• Kite flying also has an educational angle. Children can learn about wind direction, weather patterns, and the science of aerodynamics as they observe how kites behave in the sky.
• Many families use the event to teach kids about the cultural significance of Makar Sankranti, giving them a deeper connection to the festival’s traditions.

Overall, kite flying provides children with a mix of fun, learning, and cultural appreciation, making Makar Sankranti an exciting and memorable event for young ones.