We will be celebrating Makar Sankranthi this week, albeit under different names in the various states of India. However, the significant factor that connects this festival everywhere is that it is a harvest festival and we celebrate it with so much fun and gaiety, as it is the first festival of the year. It is a time for communities to gather and celebrate with bonfires, such as Lohri or Bhogi. The festival is celebrated across India with diverse traditions and cultural practices, with kite flying being a popular activity in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, where the skies are filled with vibrant kites. In southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal.
In Maharashtra, the tradition of saying “Til gul ghya, goad bola” during Makar Sankranti holds deep meaning. The concept of “goad bola” (speaking sweetly) reflects the importance of kindness and pleasant communication in building and maintaining strong personal and professional relationships. This idea resonates with management principles, particularly in public and customer relations, where effective communication and positive interactions are key to success. It symbolizes the idea of starting the year on a positive note, with a focus on harmony, regardless of personal differences.
For some regions, Makar Sankranti also marks the start of the year, and exchanging sweetmeats is considered an auspicious act. This tradition highlights the value of good communication, emphasizing that it is not just the words that matter, but the intentions behind them. Regions such as Gujarat and Rajasthan host some of the largest kite-flying events in the country. Gujarat celebrates Makar Sankranti with the International Kite Festival, which has been held since 1989.
We in Maharashtra celebrate Bor Nahan, where children under 5 years are showered with berries, chocolates and other delicacies and blessings, and are a fun-filled event for children. While young children may not fully understand the significance of these traditions initially, these values become deeply ingrained as they grow. Over time, these lessons shape their personalities and contribute to their success in various life aspects, including leadership roles.
The cultural lessons learned through such festivals, like the emphasis on communication, respect for diversity, and the ability to connect with others, help mold successful leaders. Makar Sankranti, with its diverse regional expressions, reflects India’s unity in diversity. The festival, celebrated under various names and traditions across the country, embodies the idea of coming together as one, fostering national unity while celebrating the richness of India’s cultural heritage.
The values instilled through such festivals continue to influence individuals long after the celebrations are over. Festivals like Makar Sankranti contribute to a society united in its diversity. Through shared cultural experiences, the social fabric of the nation is strengthened, reinforcing the ethos of unity in diversity.