Makar Sankranti marks the end of winter solstice. On this day, people worship Surya Dev, the Sun god, and pray for the well-being and prosperity of their families and loved ones.
Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankrant, Makar or Makar Sankrant, falls on the first day of the tenth solar month.
This year, people will celebrate Makar Sankranti on January 15.
The auspicious time falls between 7:15 am and 5:46 pm. The muhurat for Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala is from 7:15 am and 9:25 am.
Makar Sankranti: History and Significance
Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrating the Sun's transition from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. The name Makar translates to 'Capricorn’, and Sankranti means 'transition’.
It is a four-day-long festival, which is dedicated to the Sun god. As per beliefs, taking a holy dip in Ganga on this day is considered auspicious.
Many devotees also pay a visit to the Ganga Sagar Mela, which takes place near Kolkata.
Makar Sankranti: Rituals and Traditions
Devotees start their day by taking a holy dip in the Ganga and offering prayers and flowers to the Sun god.
For bhog, people prepare khichdi and laddoos using sesame seeds and jaggery.
One of the most iconic and joyous traditions during Makar Sankranti is kite flying.
Donating raw food items, including rice, lentils, sugar and butter, is considered auspicious. Various cultural events, fairs, and competitions are organised too.
Makar Sankranti: Region-wise celebration
In north India, especially Punjab, people observe Lohri. It also marks the beginning of the four-day-long Makar Sankranti festival. While people in Tamil Nadu celebrate Pongal and Gujaratis observe Uttarayana. In Andhra Pradesh, the day is known as Pedda Panduga.
In Assam, the day is celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu.
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