Makar Sankranti 2024: Date, Rituals, Traditions, Significance & More About The ¡®Festival Of Donation¡¯

Makar Sankranti Rituals, Significance, and More

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious and significant Hindu festivals celebrated with joy and excitement across the country. It carries immense religious importance in the Hindu faith.

On this special day, people come together to offer prayers to Lord Surya. The festival marks the transition of Lord Surya from Sagittarius to Capricorn in the zodiac. The entire country lights up with festivities during Makar Sankranti, symbolising the joyous spirit and unity of the people in honouring this auspicious occasion.

Is Makar Sankranti celebrated on January 14 or 15?

A lot of people are unsure about when to celebrate Makar Sankranti. Well, this year, it's happening on January 15, 2024, all over the country. Why? Because on that day, the Sun is shifting from Sagittarius to Capricorn. So, mark your calendars for a day of festivities and good vibes!

Makar Sankranti 2024 date and timings

Makar Sankranti is observed in January every year | Photo: Freepik

Makar Sankranti 2024 is approaching, and it's essential to mark your calendars for the auspicious occasion. On January 15, 2024, the festivities will kick off, with Punya Kala starting at 6:24 AM and concluding at 5:28 PM. The Maha Punya Kala, a particularly auspicious time, will be from 6:24 AM to 8:15 AM on the same day. The special moment of Makara Sankranti is set to occur at 2:54 AM on January 15, 2024.

This festival holds cultural significance and is celebrated with enthusiasm across India. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, symbolising the end of winter and the onset of longer days. People engage in various traditional activities, including kite flying and feasting on delicious dishes made with sesame and jaggery.

Save the date, and join in the joyous celebrations of Makar Sankranti with your family and friends.

What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti holds cultural and religious significance in India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) on its celestial path, known as the Uttarayan. This transition signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.

The festival is celebrated with various rituals and customs across different regions of India. People take holy dips in rivers, especially the Ganges, and participate in prayers and ceremonies. Kite flying is a popular activity during Makar Sankranti, symbolising the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere.

In addition to its astronomical significance, Makar Sankranti also has cultural and social importance. It is a time for family gatherings and festive meals. In many parts of India, special dishes made with sesame seeds and jaggery are prepared during this festival. The celebration reflects the diversity of traditions and customs in different states, with varying names such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat, among others. Overall, Makar Sankranti signifies the joy of new beginnings, the harvest season, and the renewal of life.

Makar Sankranti rituals and traditions:

The rituals and traditions of Makar Sankranti vary across different regions of India, each having its own unique traditions and customs. However, some common rituals associated with the festival include:

• Taking a dip in sacred rivers, especially the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, and others, is considered auspicious on Makar Sankranti. It is believed to cleanse the soul and bring good fortune.
• Devotees visit temples and offer prayers to the Sun God, expressing gratitude for the harvest and seeking blessings for a prosperous future.
• Special pujas (religious ceremonies) are performed on this day, involving offerings of sesame seeds, jaggery, and other traditional items. In some regions, idols of deities are adorned with flowers and worshipped.
• Consuming foods made with sesame seeds and jaggery is a common tradition. Til (sesame) and gud (jaggery) laddoos or chikkis are prepared and distributed as a symbol of sweetness and well-being.
• Kite flying is a popular activity during Makar Sankranti, especially in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is seen as a way to celebrate the change in seasons and the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere.
• Giving to the less fortunate is encouraged during Makar Sankranti. Donating clothes, food, or other essentials is considered a virtuous act.
• In some South Indian states, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the day before Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Bhogi. People light bonfires and discard old belongings, symbolising the destruction of the old to make way for the new.
• In several states, cattle, especially bulls, are decorated and worshipped as they play a significant role in agricultural activities.

It's important to note that the specific rituals may vary based on local traditions and cultural practices, so the celebration of Makar Sankranti can differ from one region to another.

Why do people donate on the day of Makar Sankranti?

In addition to the traditional practice of taking a sacred dip in the Holy River Ganges, actively participating in acts of charity for the less fortunate is a key aspect of this festival. Generosity towards the needy is highly valued, with Hindus recognising the significance of aiding those in need. Donations are made to support underprivileged individuals, encompassing a variety of essential items.

For Hindus, the act of giving holds a special place in their religious commitments, known as Dharma. It is seen as a vital duty for every individual to contribute towards the welfare of society. While charitable acts can be performed at any time throughout the year, there is a belief that engaging in philanthropy on this particular day is especially rewarding and auspicious. This reinforces the idea that contributing to the well-being of others is a fundamental part of fulfilling one's religious and societal responsibilities.

What are the different names of Makar Sankranti?

The festival is joyously celebrated in various regions of the country around the same period. In Andhra Pradesh, it is known as Pedda Panduga or Makara Sankranti, while in Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra, it is referred to as Makara Sankranti. Tamil Nadu observes the festivity as Pongal, while Assam celebrates Magh Bihu, and in Odisha, it is called Makara Chaula. Bihar marks the occasion as Til Sakraat or Dahi Chura, Kerala observes Makaravilakku, West Bengal celebrates Poush Sankranti, and Himachal Pradesh calls it Magha Saaji. Maharashtra has its unique tradition called Haldi Kumkum, and in Goa, it is known as Maghi Sankrant.

During this festive time, people come together to share happiness and traditional dishes. Each region adds its own unique touch to the celebrations, making it a diverse and vibrant occasion across the country.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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