Balanceophile

India is a land of great cultural significance with the architectural marvels of temples and the vibrance of grand festivals. Each Indian festival carries a deep meaning and I feel as Indians (well, humans), we truly grow and become better when we understand and adapt these meanings and interpretations of festivals positively.

On that note, the festival of joy, Makara Sankranthi is on our way indicating a new life filled with new possibilities and perspectives. This blog is my attempt in breaking down the significance of this festival, mainly from the angle of how it is celebrated at my place. This is also an attempt to understand the key lessons from this festival symbolizing our personal growth with hard work, patience, and perseverance.

How is Makara Sankranthi celebrated in Karnataka?

In Karnataka, Makara Sankranthi, also called as Suggi Habba is celebrated with a grandeur of diversity. This festival basically marks the Sun’s transition to the Makara Raashi (Capricorn zodiac sign), marking the beginning of sunny summer days.

Suggi Habba is popular among the local villages of Karnataka where farmers celebrate their new harvest, being grateful for all the luxury by decorating their houses with mango leaves and sugarcanes.

In the coastal regions of Karnataka, people celebrate this festival through their happy dance in the form of Yakshagana (a folk dance, the traditional dance of Karnataka) while in North Karnataka, they dance to the beats of Kolata (another dance native to the northern region of Karnataka).

However, diverse, there is one thing common in all these regions, the preparation and distribution of Ellu Bella – a delicious sweet made with a mixture of jaggery, dry coconut, and peanuts. We share it along with pieces of sugarcane with our fellow folks and say “Ellu Bella Thindu Olle Maathu Aadi” meaning Have the Ellu Bella and speak good.

Apart from this, in our household, we cook sweet potatoes, peanuts, and hyacinth beans (Avarekayi in Kannada). We also make the delicious Sweet and Kara Pongal ( a lentil-based dish with rice). The food steals the show for me, as usual 😊

How Suggi Habba contribute to our personal growth?

Spreading good vibes

The significance of sharing Ellu bella with Sugarcanes is to spread good vibes while wishing prosperity and health to our fellow folks. This gesture is a divine mark of humanity, the one quality that people from all generations need to embrace and spread.

Mark of new beginnings

Along with spreading good vibes, Makara Sankranthi also has a significance of making amends and restarting life with a fresh breath of personality. From apologizing to forgiving, you try to eliminate the negativity and embrace positivity with fellow humans.

Diverse yet same

While different regions across Karnataka celebrate this festival in their own way, there’s a common element – the feeling of togetherness. This unity and hope pave the way for a great deal of good opportunities

A festival of Gratitude

Each farmer sacrifices their blood and sweat which leads to a great harvest. However, each harvest is dependent on the rainfall which is basically not in any farmer’s control. With this harvest festival, the farmers show their gratitude to the divine power which gave a helping hand to their efforts. This signifies that in life, one must be grateful for all the opportunities that they get in their way.

On that note, I wish you all a very happy Makara Sankranthi. Ellu Bella Thindu Olle Maathadi. Also, do share how you celebrate this festival in your region. And subscribe to Balanceophile to read my thoughts and perspectives.