Bhubaneswar: Auspicious Makar Sankranti grips Odisha in spiritual activities and generosity Monday.
Odisha Governor Raghubar Das and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wished the people on the occasion.
“Heartiest greetings and congratulations on the occasion of the holy Makar Sankranti. May everyone’s life be filled with happiness and prosperity by the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath,” Patnaik wrote on X.
A large number of devotees converged on the pilgrim town of Puri to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and his sibling deities on ‘Makar Chourashi Besha’ when the deities are adorned with garlands of colourful flowers and holy basils.
The festival is also celebrated in a grand way at several other temples including Hatakeshwar temple at Atri in Khurda district, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack and Makara Muni temple in Balasore.
In the state capital of Bhubaneswar, people offered prayers at Lord Lingaraj temple. Many were seen taking a dip in Bindu Sagar lake.
The Sun Temple at Konark also attracted numerous worshippers on the occasion. The festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring as the Sun moves northwards towards the Tropic of Cancer.
In the millennium city of Cuttack and steel city Rourkela, people celebrated the festival by flying colourful kites. Enthusiasts were seen flocking to various grounds to indulge in spirited kite-flying competitions, a tradition synonymous with the festival.
Adding to the festive spirit, people prepare ‘Makar Chaula,’ a dish made with newly harvested rice, sesame, molasses, jaggery, rasagola, banana, coconut, dry fruits, cheese and puddings. ‘Makar Chaula’ is also offered as a special ‘bhoga’ to Lord Jagannath, with roots traced back to the sage Kashyap’s observations according to the Skanda Purana.
In western Odisha, the Makar festival unfolds a unique tradition known as Basma, where men and women choose a best friend for the year. A male friend selected by another male is called as ‘Maharshad’ or ‘Marsad,’ while a female counterpart chosen by a female is called ‘Makarathe.’
Makar Mela is held in various locations, ensuring a vibrant carnival atmosphere. Even tribal regions such as Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Koraput, Keonjhar, and Sundargrh join the fervour.
The ‘Kudumi’ tribe of Mayurbhanj district uniquely celebrate this festival. For them, it is their biggest festival of the year known as ‘Tusu Parab’. Tusu Parab is part of the traditional ‘Makar Parab’ which the tribals celebrate as per their unique custom and tradition. People of Kudumi community worship ‘Tusu Devi’ in the festival.
PNN & Agencies