Which deity is primarily worshiped during makar sankranti and pongal festivals?

General
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which deity is primarily worshiped during makar sankranti and pongal festivals?

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Which deity is primarily worshiped during Makar Sankranti and Pongal festivals?

Answer:

During the Makar Sankranti and Pongal festivals, different deities are prominently worshiped, reflecting the regional and cultural variations in the celebration of these festivals. Here is a detailed explanation:

Makar Sankranti:

  • Surya (Sun God): Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and is celebrated across India. The primary deity worshiped is Surya, the Sun God. People offer prayers to Surya to express gratitude for a successful harvest and seek blessings for prosperity and good health.

  • Key Rituals:

    • Devotees take holy dips in rivers, such as the Ganges, to purify their sins, which is considered auspicious.
    • Offering of water, flowers, and ‘tilgul’ (a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery) to Surya.
    • Kite flying is a popular tradition associated with Makar Sankranti, symbolizing the arrival of brighter days as the sun enters Capricorn.

Pongal:

  • Surya (Sun God): In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is predominantly a harvest festival dedicated to thanking the Sun God, Surya, for bountiful agricultural produce. Pongal, a sweet dish made of rice, milk, and sugar, is prepared and offered to Surya as a form of gratitude.

  • Key Rituals:

    • The festival spans four days, each with distinct rituals. On the second day of Pongal (known as Surya Pongal), the Sun God is specifically honored.
    • People create beautiful ‘kolam’ (rangoli) designs outside their homes and prepare special dishes as offerings.

  • Other Elements:

    • Bhogi Festival: It is the first day of the Pongal festival, dedicated to the worship of Lord Indra for blessings of rain and prosperity.
    • Mattu Pongal: Celebrated on the third day, this part of Pongal honors cattle, which are crucial for agriculture. Cattle are adorned with garlands and worshiped, signifying their contribution to farming.

Final Answer:

The primary deity worshiped during Makar Sankranti is Surya, the Sun God, who is revered for his role in the transition of the zodiac sign Capricorn, symbolizing new beginnings and the end of the dark winter days. Similarly, during the Pongal festival, Surya is also the main deity honored, with rituals expressing gratitude for a successful harvest. Additionally, various rituals such as Bhogi for Lord Indra and Mattu Pongal for cattle also highlight the diversity of deities and elements revered during these celebrations.