Makara Sankranti is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Mandya, deeply connected to agriculture and the harvest season. As Mandya is popularly known as the “Sugar Bowl of Karnataka,” sugarcane holds a special place in Sankranti celebrations, symbolizing prosperity, abundance, and the hard work of farmers.
The festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn) and is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings. Farmers express gratitude to nature, the sun god, and their cattle for a successful harvest. Cows and bulls are bathed, decorated with colorful ornaments, and worshipped as part of the traditional “Mattu Pongal” style celebrations, highlighting the close bond between farmers and their livestock.
Homes and villages in Mandya are decorated with vibrant rangoli designs made from colored powders and flowers. Families prepare and exchange traditional sweets made from jaggery, sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut, symbolizing warmth, unity, and sharing. Sugarcane, groundnuts, and festive foods are exchanged among relatives, friends, and neighbors, strengthening social bonds.
Children and youth actively participate in kite flying and festive games, adding joy and energy to the celebrations. Temples and community spaces host special prayers and cultural programs during this time. Makara Sankranti beautifully reflects Mandya’s agricultural strength, rural traditions, and the vital role farming plays in the daily life and economy of the region.