Makar festival of Mayurbhanj: at a glance

Makara Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in the Mayurbhanj district, after harvest of the paddy crops this festival is observed. "Makar Sankrati" or "Sankrat" in the Mayurbhanj district is one of the major festivals. The day is celebrated with some special mayurbhanj delicacies and sweets such as chanka pitha or gud pitha and some other cakes. The people offer their prayers to the God of Fire and mark the end of the harvesting year. Early in the morning the villagers set fire to the heap of the branches which collected by them. The general caste people prepare makara chaula, uncooked newly harvested rice, banana, for offering to gods and goddesses. The people of Mayurbhanj eat meat or fish during the three days of the festival. People invite friends and relatives (specially their sisters and daughters) to their home for special festival meals. In Mayurbhanj district the tribal population is observe the festival with great joy. Various tribal groups celebrate with traditional dancing, eating their particular dishes and sitting together with the relatives. Makara Mela (Fun fair) is observed different parts of the mayurbhanj district. On the day of Makara Sankranti. People wear new clothes, pray to God, and make offerings of traditional food to ancestors who have died. T his day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of spring season.