It was a sunny January morning, and the air was filled with the aroma of freshly made sweets as Wise Mama busied herself preparing for the Sankranti celebrations. She was tying up colorful kites, organizing sesame laddoos, and setting aside a basket of sugarcane when a little boy from the neighborhood, Rahul, came running up to her.
“What are you doing, Aunty?” Rahul asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Wise Mama smiled warmly and replied, “I’m preparing for Sankranti, child.”
“What is Sankranti?” Rahul asked, tilting his head, clearly intrigued.
Placing the basket down, Wise Mama knelt to his level. “Sankranti is a festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It’s celebrated as the beginning of longer days and the end of winter.”
“Wow! Is it celebrated everywhere?” Rahul asked.
“Oh yes,” she said, “in many parts of India and even outside India. Here, it’s known by different names. For example, in Tamil Nadu, it’s called Pongal. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it’s Uttarayan. People in Punjab celebrate it as Lohri, while in Assam it’s called Magh Bihu, in Karnataka it’s known as Suggi or Makar Sankranti. Across India, people come together to enjoy this festive time in unique ways.”
Rahul’s face lit up. “What about outside India?”
“Good question! In Nepal, they celebrate Maghe Sankranti, and even in Thailand, there’s a similar festival called Songkran. Though the names and traditions vary, the essence of welcoming the sun and celebrating change remains the same.”
“Why do people fly kites?” he asked next.
Wise Mama beamed. “Flying kites is one of the most fun parts of Sankranti! Do you know there’s a reason behind it? After the long, cold winter, people need some time out in the sun to soak up Vitamin D. Kite flying keeps everyone outdoors for hours, enjoying the fresh air and sunlight. Isn’t that clever?”
“That’s so smart! And what about the sweets you’re making?” Rahul asked, pointing to the sesame laddoos.
“Ah, these are made with sesame seeds and jaggery,” she explained. “They’re not just delicious but also very healthy. Sesame helps keep you warm during the winter, and jaggery gives you energy. Plus, sharing sweets is our way of spreading joy and good wishes.”
“What else do people do?” Rahul was now brimming with excitement.
“Well,” Wise Mama continued, “people in Tamil Nadu cook Pongal, a special dish made with rice, jaggery, and milk. In Punjab, they light bonfires for Lohri and dance around it. In Gujarat, it’s all about colorful kites filling the sky. And in Maharashtra, people exchange sesame sweets and say, ‘Tilgul ghya, god god bola,’ which means, ‘Take these sweets and speak sweetly.’”
Rahul clapped his hands. “This sounds like the best festival ever!”
Wise Mama laughed. “It truly is. Sankranti is not just a festival; it’s a way to bring people together, to celebrate nature’s cycles, and to share happiness. Now, why don’t you grab a kite and join us?”
Rahul nodded eagerly and ran off to fetch one. As he disappeared around the corner, Wise Mama smiled to herself, feeling a deep sense of joy. Festivals like Sankranti weren’t just about rituals but about passing on traditions, stories, and moments of togetherness to the next generation.
Mindfully yours,
Wise Mama🌾✨