Makar Sankranti In Bengal

‘Poush toder daak diyeche aaye re chole aaye aaye aaye,dala je tar bhoreche aaj paka foshole mori haye haye haye’- these beautiful lines penned down by kabiguru,paints the true picture of a pantry full of ripen staples in the month of Poush. Makar Sankranti is observed on the last day of Poush month of the Hindu calendar and marks the inception of Magha when the Sun transits into Makara Rashi. This harvest festival is celebrated cheerfully throughout India.

A description of a Bengali house on the day of Makar Sankranti is composed in a slant rhyme.

 *Makar Sankranti* 

When the fields are laden with crops and the leaves are covered with crystal-like dew drops;

When sun rays are slanty and nights are chilly ;

When the Poush ends and the Makara rules;

Cheerful faces kneads dough of powdered rice,sugar and milk;

Wearing new clothes made of cotton ,wool or premium silk.

When a wee lassie hovers here and there,

Her mom turns ‘ Patishapta’ on the pan with utmost care.

When Grandma mixes coconut and sweet jaggery in the kadhai,

And Mom makes the sugar syrup;

Looking at the sweet delicacies, everyone’s face in the house cheers up.

Where a small baby plays with a rattle; while Pishima pours hot tea out of kettle.

When Baba plays cards with uncles; we light bonfires in dunkle.

Overnight picnic inside the ‘Bhelaghor’ which resembles a soddy;

Succeeded by morning bath with warm water on a mustard oil-smeared body.

Rangoli and alpona gives a traditional touch in front of the Tulsi plant;

Morning prayers to the Sun echoes loud as we chant.

Til er naru, pithe,pooli,payesh are served on a plate;

There I see a few kith and kin entering our gate.

A year worthy to wait for Makar Sankranti again to come;

When we can enjoy the traditional sweets prepared by our Thakuma, Pishima and Mum.

By Madhumita Dutta Chowdhury

Being born in a Bengali house and in Assam, Madhumita considers herself fortunate enough to experience the rich culture of both the states. She completed her masters in commerce and is also trained in Kathak dance form and Fine Arts. Currently, she is working as an Accounts Executive in Guwahati.