Maghi

Maghi
Hindu devotees pray to Surya
Observed byHindus and Sikhs of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu division
TypeReligious and Cultural
SignificanceMidwinter festival, celebration of Winter Solstice
CelebrationsRitual bathing, Madraison Puja, Masant, Eating traditional food
Begins1st Magh Sangrand Hindu calendar
FrequencyAnnual
Related toMakar Sankranti

Maghi is the regional name of the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti celebrated in Punjab, Haryana Jammu division and Himachal Pradesh. In Himachal, the festival is also known as Maghi Saaji[1][2] or Magha Ra Saza.[3] In Bihar and Nepal it is also referred to as Maghi Parva or Maghi Sankranti.[4][5] whereas it is known as Maghi Sangrand or Uttarain (Uttarayana) in Jammu and Sakrat in Haryana, Maghi is celebrated on first day of the month of Magh of Hindu Calendar. It follows on the heels of the mid-winter festival of Lohri which is marked by bonfires in North Indian fields and yards. The next morning Hindus see as an auspicious occasion for ritual bathing in ponds and rivers.[6]

  1. ^ Sharma, Dheeraj; Exclusive, Exams (2019-01-28). PIB Summary 2018 Exams Exclusive. DHEERAJ SHARMA.
  2. ^ Somasī (in Hindi). Himācala Kalā-Samskr̥ti-Bhāshā Akādamī. 1991.
  3. ^ Singh, Manoj (2018-01-01). Vaidik Sanatan Hindutva (in Hindi). Prabhat Prakashan. ISBN 978-93-5266-687-4.
  4. ^ Chopra, Kanchan; Perrings, Charles (2001). Ecological Economics for Sustainable Development. Academic Foundation. ISBN 978-81-7188-193-2.
  5. ^ Pandey, Ram Niwas (2008). Nepal, Through the Ages: Approach to Ancient History, Art, Architecture, Culture & Society. Adroit Publishers. ISBN 978-81-87392-79-8.
  6. ^ Melton, J. Gordon; Baumann, Martin (2010-09-21). Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices, 2nd Edition [6 volumes]. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-59884-204-3.