Makar Sankranti: Lively festival of folk culture of India and West
Bengal
Makar Sankranti (মকর সংক্রান্তি ) is not just a religious festival, but also an
important medium to understand Indian agricultural festivals, folk traditions,
and cultural heritage. Especially in West Bengal, Paush Sankranti, Gangasagar Mela
(Fair) and the traditional Sohrai festival of the Santhal tribe (সাঁওতাল জনজাতি) give a unique identity to this festival.
✔ Makar Sankranti: Lively festival of folk culture of India and West Bengal
India is a land of
festivals, where each festival reflects the deep connection between nature,
seasons and human life. Makar Sankranti has a special place among these
festivals. This festival marks the entry of the Sun into Capricorn and marks
the beginning of Uttarayan (উত্তরায়ন). It is not only a religious occasion but also
an important celebration of agriculture, folk life and cultural unity.
Makar Sankranti is
usually celebrated on 14 or 15 January. From this day the Sun starts moving
towards the north, which is considered auspicious. This festival is celebrated
in different names and forms in different states of India. Somewhere it is
famous as Pongal, somewhere Lohri, somewhere Uttarayan and somewhere Bhogali
Bihu. But the soul of all these festivals is the same – gratitude towards
nature and hope for a new life.
✔ Makar Sankranti in West Bengal
In West Bengal, Makar
Sankranti is mainly called Paush Sankranti. On this day, a huge fair is
organized in Ganga Sagar, where lakhs of devotees from India and abroad come to
take a holy bath. It is believed that bathing in Ganga Sagar and donating on
this day brings virtue.
On this occasion,
Pitha-Puli (পিঠা-পুলি) are specially made in Bengal. Made from rice
flour, jaggery and coconut, these traditional dishes symbolize the sweetness and
family harmony of Bengali culture. From villages to cities, there is a festive
atmosphere in every house on this day.
✔ Festival related to Santhal tribe and Makar Sankranti
The contribution of Santhal
tribe in the culture of West Bengal is very important. The Santhal community
celebrates its special festival “Sohrai” (or Magh Parab (মাঘ পরব) in some areas) during the time of Makar Sankranti.
This festival is mainly associated with respect for crops, livestock and
nature.
During the Sohrai
festival, Santhal people decorate the walls of their houses with natural
colors, which is called Sohrai painting. These paintings depict animals,
forests, sun and various forms of life. At this time, a special event of dance
and music is organized, where traditional dance is performed on the beats of Madal
(মাদল) and Dhol.
This festival is not
only an occasion of joy, but also a symbol of collectivism, nature worship and
social unity. The Santhal society expresses gratitude to the Sun, Earth and
animals by considering them as life givers.
✔ Message of cultural unity
Makar Sankranti
teaches us that the beauty of India lies in its diversity. The same festival is
celebrated in different forms in different regions, yet its purpose remains the
same – new beginning, respect for hard work and gratitude towards nature.
Paush Sankranti of
West Bengal and Sohrai festival of Santhal tribe together show that folk
culture and tribal traditions are the soul of Indian civilization.
Therefore, Makar
Sankranti (মকর সংক্রান্তি ) is not just a date or religious ritual, but it
is a celebration of the cultural consciousness of India. This festival makes us
understand the value of harmony with nature, social unity and cultural
diversity. The festivals of West Bengal and the Santhal tribe in particular are
proof that tradition and modernity can go together and fill life with joy.
*****
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