Makar Sankranti is intrinsically linked to the environment, as it is fundamentally a celebration of nature's cycles, the harvest season, and the sun's role in sustaining life. It serves as an ancient reminder of humanity's deep connection and responsibility toward the planet.

Makar Sankranti is intrinsically linked to the environment, as it is fundamentally a celebration of nature's cycles, the harvest season, and the sun's role in sustaining life. It serves as an ancient reminder of humanity's deep connection and responsibility toward the planet. 

Core Environmental Relationships
Solar Cycle and Seasonal Change: -
The festival marks the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn and the beginning of its northward journey (Uttarayan). This astronomical event brings longer, warmer days, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of spring, which is vital for the ecosystem to flourish.
Harvest and Agriculture: -
Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival, celebrated by farmers to express gratitude to the sun, soil, and rain for a bountiful harvest of winter crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. Traditional foods made during the festival, such as those with sesame and jaggery, use these freshly harvested ingredients.
Health and Nature: -
The tradition of flying kites encourages people to spend time outdoors under the sun, absorbing essential Vitamin D after the cold winter months, which boosts immunity and well-being.
Gratitude and Renewal: -
The rituals, such as taking a holy dip in rivers and offering prayers, are expressions of purification and gratitude to Mother Nature for her abundance. 
Modern Environmental Challenges and Solutions;-
While the festival inherently promotes harmony with nature, modern practices have introduced environmental concerns, leading to calls for more sustainable celebrations: 
Aspect Environmental Impact of Modern Practices Eco-Friendly Alternatives Kite Flying Plastic/synthetic kites and glass-coated "manja" (strings) contribute to litter, clog water bodies, and injure or kill birds and animals.Use biodegradable kites made of paper and bamboo with plain cotton thread.
Waste & Packaging:-
Single-use plastics for food packaging and serving add to landfill waste.Use reusable containers for sharing sweets, source ingredients locally, and use compostable plates (e.g., banana leaves).
Decorations:-
Artificial decorations, synthetic colors for rangoli, and plastic streamers generate non-biodegradable waste.Opt for natural decorations like fresh flowers, leaves, and organic rangoli powders made from rice flour, turmeric, or flower petals.
Bonfires:-
Large bonfires, especially when burning non-wood items, contribute to air pollution.Keep bonfires small, use dried leaves and twigs instead of felling trees, or use eco-friendly lanterns as an alternative.
   Ultimately, Makar Sankranti serves as a powerful annual reminder of the need to live in harmony with the environment and embrace sustainable practices in daily life. 
MJF Lion ER YK Sharma 

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