MAKARA SANKRANTI : SINGNIFICANCE OF SESAME SEED(TIL) DURING THE FESTIVAL

The festival of MAKARA SANKRANTI is knocking on the doors . This festival is celebrated across India in different names like Pongal in Tamil Nadu ; Makara Sankranti in Kerala , Karnataka , Odisha , Maharashtra , Goa , West Bengal ; Magh Bihu in Assam ; Maghi Sangrand or Uttarain in Jammu , Sakrat in Haryana ; Maghi Sangrand in Punjab ; Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh ; Peddha Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana . And on this special occassion SURAYA DEVA is worshipped  along with VISHNU and goddess LAKSHMI throughout India . 

LORD VISHNU 

During this festival , the house are colourfully decorated , kids going to house to house , singing , family get-together , exchanging treats , kite flying , feasts . The Makara Sankranti is also mentioned in MAHABHARATHA . Many of them also go to take baths in the sacred rivers and thank the Sun . This harvest festival is celebrated on the same day across India on the same day on 15 January . Unlike the other festivals the date never changes , the date remains constant every year as it is determined according to the sun's movement . 

Makara Sankranti is incomplete without sesame seeds , jaggery , peanuts , dry coconut . some say that it was Lord Vishnu's sweat from the Samundra Manthan was showered as sesame seeds . Therefore , these seeds are treasured in Hinduism .According to the religious beliefs , sesame seeds were blessed by Lord Yama , the god of Death and hence are referred to as the seeds of immortality . 

SURYA DEVA 

To simplify , the ancestral knowledge tied to the principle of eating foods relevant to each season was meant to improve overall health and match the challenges of the season . Interestingly diets and local cusines took into the account the various body compositions and prescribed diets that could easily soothe the discomfort of certain imbalance that came with each of those types .

During this festival SUGARCANE is also used which signifies the prosperity and well being . It also has many benefits like ; to strengthen the stomach , kidneys , liver and the reproductive organs . The sugarcane which is firm and straight symbolises a stern and a balanced mind that is controlling the five senses and fostering positive thought in once's being .It is also aimed at developing and nurturing a cordial relationship with family and friends .

Til is significant because it is known for its myriad health benefits . These are packed with calcium , magnesium , Vitamin - b 6 , iron , dietary fiber , protein and several nutrients . And most importantly , they keep the body warm during the winter months and they have the capacity to produce oil which will keep our body from drying during the winter . Including the sesame seeds and jaggery helps in boosting immunity and warming up the body . 

SESAME SEEDS

In conclusion , the donation , consumption and use of til on Makara Sankranti is a traditional custom that has deep spiritual and cultural significance . It is believed to bring prosperity , abundance , and good health and is also way of seeking blessings and divine grace . The scientific benefits of til further add to its significance on this auspicious day . 

 MAKARA SANKRANTI marks the end of the cold season and the onset of spring . 

HAPPY MAKARA SANKRANTI