Makar Sakranti 2022: Every festival has its own specialty. In the same way, the festival of Makar Sankranti also has its own specialty. Celebrated all over India by different names, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This first festival of the year brings with it much importance. The festival of Makar Sankranti is known as the festival of crops and farmers. This is because on this day farmers thank God for their good harvest and seek blessings to keep his mercy on the people forever. Different types of dishes are prepared in every household on this day, the most special of which is Khichdi. It also has its own importance. On this day, along with bathing in the Ganges, many people donate things like pulses, rice, sesame, chivda, cow, gold, woolen clothes, blankets. Along with this, they also eat khichdi themselves. Know about its mythological and cultural importance
Why is Khichdi made on Makar Sankranti?
Khichdi is one of the most common dishes cooked in any home. It is made by mixing rice and lentils with very few spices. It can be easily made in a single pot. Thus, there is a tradition of eating khichdi during the festival of Makar Sankranti.
Mythological significance
This festival is known in many places as 'Khichdi', which originated from the state of Uttar Pradesh. The main khichdi made of rice and lentils is actually believed to be the favorite food of the Hindu god Gorakhnath, whose idol is installed in a temple in Gorkhanth. Khichdi is served to the deity on the day of Makar Sankranti. On this day devotees come to the temple and offer rice, pulses, and turmeric to the Lord and seek blessings for a prosperous harvest. Khichdi is then served as 'prasad' or blessings of the Lord to all the devotees present in the temple.
Cultural significance
Khichdi is cooked in a single vessel, so it is a symbol of unity. Apart from this, freshly harvested rice and lentils are used to cook this special Makar Sankranti dish. This means that it signifies the process of life and regeneration which further signals the beginning of the new crop year.
Health reasons for eating khichdi
The best thing about khichdi is that it is one of the easiest-to-digest food. Khichdi is light for the stomach as well as good for the month of January in which Makar Sankranti is celebrated. During this season, the temperature starts from freezing to slightly warm. Due to which the state of health can be weakened. Khichdi is a great dish to satiate hunger and also provide the necessary nutrition to the body.
