Transition of Sun into 'Makar Rashi' or Makar constellation is what we celebrate as 'Makar Sankranti'. It is that time of the year, when northern hemisphere of the earth is gradually subjected to the glory of the blazing Sun. This period of six months when the northern part of earth is brimming with Sun's radiance, is termed as Uttara (Northern) Ayana (Movement/progress) or Uttarayana. It starts with the beginning of Shishir Ritu (one among 6 seasons seen in Indian Subcontinent) in the months of Magha (14January - 14February roughly) and Falguna (14February - 14 March roughly).
Lifestyle according to the season -
The climate in this Ritu or season is generally colder than the previous Hemant Ritu (which is also consistent with cold climate). Body strength in both, Hemant and Shishir seasons; is highest compared to the remaining 4 seasons in India; due to the effect of the cold climate. So according to Ayurveda, Shishir ritu is ideal for performing exercises of various kinds like walking, yoga, climbing, swimming and so on. This season is ideal for taking up any sport or planning a trekking or any kind of adventure sport. Heavy physical exertion in this climate does not lead to emaciation of the body (which may be seen in other climates). This means that the proportion of exercise may differ according to the physical body strength in different seasons.
Diet in this season -
The rate and proportion at which hunger is felt during this period is higher, as metabolism is also enhanced due to the effect of environment. Therefore, it is advisable to have heavy foods like Milk and Milk products, sweet delicacies (Made out of natural sugar/Jaggery), non-aged or new grains like Rice or wheat, fresh vegetables, fruits, Tila (Sesame), seasonal fruits, Meat, etc in this season.
Laddoo's (sweet dumplings) and tila poli (sweet sesame paratha's) made of Sesame and Jaggery are special delicacies consumed on this day, as it is the ideal food item favorable in this season. Sesame seeds and Jaggery, both are hot in nature, which balance the increasing cold in this climate.
Also, there is a tradition of making mixed vegetable, known as 'Bhogi' in Maharashtra. This vegetable is a mix of green peas, fresh pigeon pea seedpods, carrot, french beans, etc; all fresh vegetables available in the season.
These and other type of heavy foods when consumed in this season are rather easy to digest compared to other seasons. They maintain the normal metabolism, as well as provide required nourishment to each and every system of the body. Similarly in a climate like India, Hemant and Shishir seasons are favorable for having breakfast or early morning meal, unlike other seasons.
Recommended Panchakarma in this season
The excessive dryness that is felt, is counteracted by application of oils externally over the body; suggested in this season. Application of lukewarm oil in the form of Abhyanga (whole body massage), Shirodhara (Oiling over the head), Nasya (oil in nostrils), Janu basti (oiling over knees), kati-basti (oiling over lower back region), netra-tarpan (oiling over the eyes) and steam of various kinds along with Basti is recommended in this season for balancing the Vata dosha (element of air) that is vitiated in the body.
The seasons next in line, falling under the Uttarayan period (which is 6 months) are Vasant Ritu (Spring Season) and Grishma Ritu (Summer); respectively. Stay tuned for more updates on diet and lifestyle in the upcoming seasons of Uttarayan.
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