Makar Sankranti falls on January 14 every year, with an exception of falling on January 15 at times. The prime reason people celebrate Makar Sankranti is to thank the sun god. It is the day when the sun heads northwards towards the Tropic of Cancer and on the day of the festival, the night and day time become equal. Makar Sankranti is also to welcome warmer days as it marks the end of winter solstice. It is also the first day of the new month of Magha and people wake up early to soak in the sun rays as these are full of Vitamin D. Marathi Mulgi, Isha Koppikar sheds light on how she brings in the festival at her home.
She says,” We celebrate Makar Sankranti by exchanging sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery or til-gul Laddoo. Along with this, people also make puran poli which is a flat bread stuffed with jaggery and gram flour in it with pure ghee. All these are good for the body as during winter, the body needs food items to keep one warm and also to provide the necessary moisture. The ingredients in these dishes work well for the
She goes on to share what the festival means for her,”We also wish each other on the day and with this gesture, strive to keep friendship alive for the rest of the year. Even if you have some issues, this is the day to forget and forgive by exchanging these sweet treats. There is a saying that goes ’til gul ghya, god-god bola’ that translates to ‘have these sweets and speak in a sweet manner’ as the sweetness of it will dissolve all the negativity and sourness of the relationship. “
