Bharatpur Villages Celebrate Makar Sankranti with Unique Fire-Popping Sesame Tradition

• Bharatpur villages observe a unique tradition on Makar Sankranti: popping sesame seeds on fire, locally known as 'aag par til chatkana'.
• This age-old custom, passed down through generations, is believed to hasten the departure of winter and signal a change in weather.
• Rural women perform this ritual after morning baths, offering sesame seeds to fire and praying for family well-being.
• The tradition is seen as a way to understand weather changes, especially before modern forecasting methods were available.
• Despite changing lifestyles, this custom remains a significant part of Bharatpur's rural culture, connecting new generations to their heritage.

Why It Matters: Bharatpur villages maintain a unique Makar Sankranti tradition of popping sesame seeds on fire for good fortune.