| Makar Sakranti is also known as KHICHADI (Indian dish made from rice and lentils)
Sakranti because on this day the injunction to eat Khichadi , is generally observed by people. Seasonal
crops become available. Ghee, and spices are used for making tasty nourishing Khichadi. Winter loosens
its grip on shiver producing cold, admitting springtime that brings with it the chance for all round
health improvement. At Sakranti time great importance is attached to Ganga snaan (bathing with waters
of the river Ganges) and Surya Puja (worshipping the sun). Bathing, worshipping gods, Havan, Japa,
Fasting and Charity; each of these are extremely holy deeds. From Makar Sakranti onwards when the
sun is travelling northwards, innumerable auspicious things start happening. Climate and atmosphere
improve. Children born during this period are naturally progressive, well mannered, pleasant and of
noble disposition. The Bhagavad Gita mentions the importance of the northern path of the sun at the
time of death. This was the reason why Grandsire Bhishma, who was wounded in battle and in semi
conscious state, while lying on the bed of arrows, chose to wait it out, awaiting the northward path
of the sun, before choosing to die. All such special reasons make the northward journey of the sun
sacred and auspicious at Makar Sakranti.
On the occasion of Makar Sakranti in tilpat, prasad of khichdi is distributed one week earlier in the morning.
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