Meaning of the Sankranti Festival

 Once upon a time, not quite long ago, like most of our festivals, Sankranti was an agrarian festival. It was a  celebration of  the 'rabbi' harvest, the second agricultural cycle annually.  It had a distinct climate orientation as well as it marked a particular phase in the diurnal journey of the sun. 

I suppose, both these aspects, solidly important currently, are, however, timepass tittle tattle for the majority. And yet Sankranti is celebrated with utmost fervour. 

One of the reasons could be that it allows the consumerist economy a filip. The market forces thus procure for themselves an occasion to re-assert their centrality in the post-capitalist world today. Hence, despite the recession looming large over the horizon, the festival was celebrated with tremendous fanfare. 

One of the possible causes, of course, could be the post-Covid loosening of the shackles that bound the public space for two long years. No, it is not a return to tradition. Yes, it provides a valid get-together feel which, anyway, the 'janta' enjoys every weekend these days. 

Once upon a time, it was a get-together occasion for women which no longer matters much. In my opinion, however, herein we get a possible reason for celebrating the festival, at least for the womenfolk. I feel, women as entrepreneurs have always been good at small time start-up's. 

A festival like the Sankranti gives a wonderful space to women's creativities. My brother's daughter-in-law was yesterday decked up in handcrafted jewellery made of the sesame jaggery savoury and the decorative thread. A delicate artisanship that is unique and rare, women are currently exploring such professional 'work from home' avenues, be it crafting such beauties or  making/cooking unique savouries meant specifically for this festival.

Well, my brother's daughter-in-law's aunt and mother spent some three days in crafting the lovely jewellery. For them, it was sheer labour of love. Aai, too, was excellent at it. She would even make the halwa, the base sesame-sugar sweet, with her fingertips.

In my opinion, such personal unique skills, that women have always traditionally nurtured, get an absolutely fabulous platform during such festivities. Even when meant only for the love for the Gen Next, it gives women a unique identity. Why, with the beloved child decked up thus,the sweet feel enriches the soul which is the real meaning of existence, of togetherness!

Pratima@Looked at creatively, rituals can become founts of love!