Makar Sankranti is the first festival of the year and hence the excitement and preparations for it is more than the others that follow. The most prominent thing about this festival is that it is not just celebrated by a particular community, but in myriad forms by all major communities across the country.
A day to mark the beginning of spring, in Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri while in Tamil Nadu, it is called Pongal. Like all Indian festivals, it calls for festivities like rich food, puja and dressing up in fineries. In Maharashtra, people celebrate it by flying colourful kites and even hosting kite flying competitions, distributing til - gud ladoos saying til-gudghyaa, god god bola meaning have jiggery sesame ladoo and speak sweetly.
Also, it is customary for people here especially women to wear black on this day. Though black is usually considered an inauspicious colour and not worn on any auspicious occasion, it is the colour of choice for Makar Sankranti. Why, one may wonder?
Here’s why people wear black on Makar Sankranti: It is the day when the sun starts its northern movement, hence this day marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. Being the last day of winter, this day turns out to be the coolest day of the entire season. Since black is a colour that absorbs heat, people wear it to keep warm!
About 50 years ago, there was a custom that said that women should wear a Chandrakala saree that was specially woven for this day. This saree was embossed with crescent moons and star-sands in zari. However, finding an authentic Chandrakala saree today is very difficult. Hence, one usually wears typically a black saree donned with a zari border, a plain cotton saree or even a bold black Paithani saree.
Today, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as 'Black Day' by many corporate houses in Maharashtra. Not just corporate offices, but in schools and in banks too, black is the dress code for Makar Sankranti. In fact, throughout the state, everyone follows the ritual of bringing out their best in black on this day irrespective of caste or community.
So this Sankranti, be bold wear gorgeous black saree and goad minus the guilt! Select from a host of black sarees in silk, cotton and other textures from Shatika and take away upto 50% off for the festival!
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