Question

What does the term Saaji represent in the context of Makar Sankranti celebrations in Himachal Pradesh?

• A. The Pahari word for Sankranti, marking the start of the month of Magha.
• B. A ritual involving the lighting of ceremonial fires in village temples.
• C. A traditional sweet distributed during the festival.
• D. The first sunrise of the lunar new year.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. The Pahari word for Sankranti, marking the start of the month of Magha.

Makar Sankranti In Karnataka, Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the Sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn), signaling the beginning of longer days and shorter nights. Maghi In Punjab, this festival is observed as Maghi. A significant tradition is taking an early morning dip in a river, which is believed to be spiritually cleansing. Saaji In the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is known as Magha Saaji. "Saaji" is the Pahari term for Sankranti, symbolizing the start of a new month—specifically, the month of Magha. Nuakhai Nuakhai is a traditional harvest festival in Odisha. The word ‘nua’ means new and ‘khai’ means food, representing the first consumption of the season's fresh harvest. It's also called Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat.