Kumaon's Makar Sankranti: 'Maas ki Khichdi' and Ghugutiya Tyar Traditions
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News18•14-01-2026, 16:24
Kumaon's Makar Sankranti: 'Maas ki Khichdi' and Ghugutiya Tyar Traditions
- •Makar Sankranti in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, is celebrated as Ghugutiya Tyar or Uttarayani, marking the start of the holy month of Magh.
- •Unique traditions include preparing 'ghughute' (flour and jaggery sweets) for children and offering them, along with 'Maas ki Khichdi', to crows the day after Makar Sankranti.
- •The 'Maas ki Khichdi' tradition, explained by Professor Lalit Tiwari, is a centuries-old practice of consuming khichdi as a religious offering after presenting it to the Sun God.
- •This tradition is linked to the Sun God's movement from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan, symbolizing positive energy and increased radiance, and is believed to alleviate 'Surya Dosha' and 'Shani Dosha'.
- •Makar Sankranti in Kumaon is a cultural heritage, reflecting deep connections between folk faith, nature, and tradition, with weather changes also observed post-Uttrayani.
Why It Matters: Kumaon's Makar Sankranti uniquely blends folk faith, nature, and tradition with 'Maas ki Khichdi' and 'ghughute' offerings.
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