Celebrating Makar Sankranti

January 14th is a special day across India, filled with joy and a sense of renewal. Different regions celebrate in their own unique ways, yet the essence remains the same—letting go of anger and hatred while embracing positivity and new beginnings.

In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, this festival is known as Makar Sankranti, often celebrated with the traditional meal of dahi chuda (curd and flattened rice). Households enjoy this simple yet delicious dish, often paired with tilkut—a sweet treat made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery. This combination adds sweetness to life and serves as a gesture of reconciliation, mending any past misunderstandings or bitterness among loved ones.

Sanjay Paswan, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, is a compassionate and supportive leader. He warmly invited the Aashray Abhiyaan team to the Assembly hall to join in the Makar Sankranti festivities and discuss some of our concerns. Our entire team, along with a few vendors, participated in the celebration. Sanjay Paswan personally served us tilkut, gulab jamun, other sweets, and chuda, making the occasion even more memorable.

This gathering provided us with a valuable opportunity to voice our concerns and highlight the challenges faced by our community ahead of the upcoming Assembly session. Sanjay Paswan assured us of his support, expressing his willingness to stand with us in strengthening the vendors' cause.

After the celebration, he gave us a tour of the Legislative Assembly hall, pointing out the spot where opposition parties unite to voice their dissent against the government. It was an insightful experience, blending festivity with purpose, as we connected over shared goals and traditions.