Narayan Gadagkar

Sun’s Shift to Capricorn: A Festival of Transition

When Sun’s journey in zodiac sign

Shifts from Sagittarius to Capricorn

It ushers in Uttarayan’s festive reign

Turns this journey a celebration of transition.

 

When sun transgresses the hemispheric shift

From south to north the astronomical drift

Makara Sankranti dawns in celestial transit

In India, far and wide, celebrations erupt.

 

Aditya, the Sun God mounts his chariot

Stretching the time duration of daylight

Shortening the time span of night

Homes are adorned with rangoli in delight.

 

One nation, one festival, many hues

Lohri of Punjab with Bhangra tunes

In Gujarat the kites -fly high filling the skies

In Bihar and Jharkhand, the Khichdi Parv

 

Maharashtra’s   sesame-jaggery exchanges

Karnataka’s crop harvest celebrations

 Andhra Pradesh Pedda Panduga fervours

Tamil Nadu’s fame the sweet Pongal rice,

Assam\'s Magh Bihu and blazing   bonfires

 

It is time to share seasame-jaggery with everyone

Pray for happiness and well-being on this occasion

On this day let\'s sow the seeds of hope and faith

Let\'s rejoice and dispel the grudges henceforth