MAKARA SANKRANTI - KICCHU HAYISODU - FESTIVALS of INDIA [Impressions of India]
Channel: Journey Through Nature
Date: 2021-01-16

Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayan and has its own historical and religious significance in India. It is celebrated in January every year and marks the termination of the Winter and the beginning of a new harvest season. 

It is dedicated to Lord Sun. It also refers to a specific solar day in the Hindu calendar. On this auspicious day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makar which marks the end of winter months and the beginning of longer days. 

From the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun begins its northward journey or Uttarayan journey. Therefore, this festival is also known as Uttarayan.

This is one of the few ancient Indian festivals that has been observed according to solar cycles, while most festivals are set by the lunar cycle

Festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi &  Lohri in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh,  Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, etc

Here in karnataka its known as Suggi Habba, Makara Sankramana or Makara Sankranti 

On this auspicious day, girls wear new clothes to visit near and dear ones with a Sankranti offering in a plate and exchange the same with other families. This ritual is called "Ellu Birodhu.

Another important ritual is display of cows and bulls in colourful costumes in an open field. Cows are decorated for the occasion and taken on a procession. They are also made to cross a fire. This ritual is common in rural Karnataka and is called "Kichchu Haayisodu."

And thats exactly what we  are going to  witness today. 

#festivalsofIndia #MakaraSankranti #India 

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- Shiv 

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