Ghee Sankranti is a festival of Uttarakhand that is celebrated on the first day of the month of Bhado, which usually falls in August. It is a festival of gratitude for agricultural prosperity and the abundance of crops, fruits, vegetables, and milk products. People also exchange gifts and eat delicious dishes made with ghee on this day. Some of the common gifts are axes, metal calipers, oral harps, and firewood. Ghee Sankranti is also known as Olgia or Ghee Tyar in some regions.
In this article, we will explore the significance, customs, and traditions of this festival, and how you can celebrate it with your family and friends.
The Significance of Ghee Sankranti
Ghee Sankranti marks the onset of the rainy season in Uttarakhand, which brings relief from the scorching heat and drought. It is also the time when the crops are growing well and the milk-giving animals are healthy. The trees are laden with fruits and the fields are green with vegetables. It is a time of joy and happiness for the farmers and the artisans who depend on agriculture and animal husbandry for their livelihood.
Ghee Sankranti is a way of expressing gratitude to nature and God for providing them with food and wealth. It is also a way of strengthening the bonds between the landlords and the tenants, the farmers and the craftsmen, and the elders and the youngsters. It is a festival of harmony and unity among the people of Uttarakhand.
The Customs and Traditions of Ghee Sankranti
One of the main customs of Ghee Sankranti is to include ghee in every meal on this day. Ghee is considered to be a symbol of purity, prosperity, and health. It is believed that anyone who does not eat ghee on this day will be born as a snail in their next birth. Some of the popular dishes made with ghee are urad dal stuffed chapatis, arbi leaves curry, gulgula (sweet fritters), halwa (semolina pudding), kheer (rice pudding), etc.
Another important custom is to exchange gifts between the landlords and the craftsmen. The craftsmen give metal tools such as axes, calipers, sickles, shovels, etc., to the landlords to help them in harvesting their crops. The landlords give grains, money, ghee, vegetables, etc., to the craftsmen to appreciate their skills and services. This custom is known as Olgia or Olagia.
A third custom is to pour ghee on each other’s foreheads as a gesture of blessing and goodwill. This custom is especially done by the elders to the youngsters, by the parents to their children, by the brothers to their sisters, etc. It is believed that ghee brings good luck, happiness, and prosperity to the person who receives it.
How to Celebrate Ghee Sankranti
Ghee Sankranti is a festival that can be celebrated by anyone who loves ghee and wants to express their gratitude for nature’s bounty. Here are some ways you can celebrate this festival:
- Cook some delicious dishes with ghee and share them with your family and friends. You can also invite your neighbors or colleagues to join you for a feast.
- Give some gifts to your loved ones or to someone who has helped you in some way. You can give them anything that they need or like, such as metal tools, ghee, fruits, vegetables, money, etc.
- Pour some ghee on your forehead or on someone else’s forehead as a sign of respect and affection. You can also say some words of blessing or appreciation to them.
- Participate in some cultural activities such as singing folk songs, dancing folk dances, playing folk instruments, etc. You can also visit a temple or someone’s house where such activities are organized.
- Learn more about the history and culture of Uttarakhand by reading books or articles online. You can also watch some documentaries or movies that showcase the beauty and diversity of this state.
Ghee Sankranti is a festival that celebrates life and gratitude in Uttarakhand. It is a festival that reminds us of the importance of nature, food, and relationships in our lives. It is a festival that brings joy and happiness to everyone who celebrates it.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article about Ghee Sankranti. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in learning more about this festival. And don’t forget to eat some ghee on this day! Happy Ghee Sankranti!