Flowing with the current

To many people, especially Tamils, Makara Sankranti ushers in the New Year. The corn that is newly harvested is cooked for the first time on that day. Joyous festivities mark the celebration in every home. Servants, farmers and the poor are fed and clothed and given presents. On the next day, the cow, which is regarded as the symbol of the holy mother, is worshipped. Then there is the feeding of birds and animals.

In this manner, devotee's heart expands slowly during the celebration, first embracing with its long arms of love the entire household and neighbours, then servants and the poor, then the cow, and all other living creatures. Without even being aware of it, one develops the heart and expands it to such proportions that the whole universe finds a place in it....

To spiritual aspirants, this day has a special significance. The six-month period during which the sun travels northwards is highly favourable to them in their march towards the goal of life. It is as though they are flowing easily with the current towards the Lord....


Pongal in south India is closely connected with agriculture. To the agriculturalist, it is a day of triumph. He would have by then brought home fruits of his patient toil. Symbolically, the first harvest is offered to the Almighty - and that is Pongal. To toil was his task, his duty, but the fruit is now offered to Him - that is the spirit of karm yog.