Maghi

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Hindu Devotees Pray To Surya - Makar Sankranti Observance - Baje Kadamtala Ghat - Kolkata 2018-01-14 6877

Maghi

Maghi is a festival celebrated by the Sikh and Hindu communities in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It marks the first day of the month of Magh in the Hindu calendar, which typically falls in mid-January. The festival is also known as Makar Sankranti in other parts of India.

Historical Significance

Maghi commemorates the sacrifice of the Chali Mukte, the Forty Liberated Ones, who fought for Guru Gobind Singh in the Battle of Muktsar in 1705. The battle took place near the town of Muktsar in Punjab, and it is remembered for the valor and sacrifice of the Sikh warriors.

Celebrations

The festival is marked by various religious and cultural activities. Devotees take a holy dip in rivers and lakes, particularly at Muktsar Sahib, where a large fair is held. The day is also observed with kirtan (devotional singing), path (reading of the Guru Granth Sahib), and langar (community meals).

Rituals and Traditions

On Maghi, people often visit gurdwaras to offer prayers and listen to religious discourses. The festival is also a time for social gatherings, feasting, and distributing sweets. Traditional foods such as kheer, gajak, and rewri are commonly prepared and shared among family and friends.

Regional Variations

While Maghi is primarily celebrated in Punjab, similar festivals are observed across India under different names. For instance, it is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Lohri in Punjab, which is celebrated a day before Maghi.

See Also

• Sikhism
• Hinduism
• Guru Gobind Singh
• Battle of Muktsar
• Makar Sankranti
• Pongal
• Lohri