Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival. It is celebrated in India and Nepal to welcome the spring season as the sun moves north. People celebrate with bonfires, feasts, and fun activities like flying kites.
Makar Sankranti gets its name from Sanskrit words – ‘Makar’ means Capricorn, and ‘Sankranti’ means transition. It’s a festival celebrating the sun’s shift into Capricorn, signifying the start of longer days and the journey towards spring.
Makar Sankranti Date and Day 2024
Makar Sankranti is at 2:45 am on January 15, 2024 (Monday) according to Drik Panchang. The good time, Punya Kala is from 7:15 am to 8:07 pm (10 hours, 31 minutes). The most suitable time, Maha Punya Kala is from 7:15 am to 9:00 am (1 hour, 45 minutes). It is a great period for positive activities and celebrations during the festival.
History Behind Celebrating Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is special because it is when the Sun God, Surya, visited his son, Lord Shani, ruler of Capricorn. Despite past conflicts, they patched up on this day to celebrate the strong bond between a father and son.
This festival celebrates a happy and optimistic time as these Gods came together, setting aside their differences.
Makar Sankranti is a time for families to bond. People assemble to enjoy traditional foods, fly kites, and experience cultural activities, making moments of joy and togetherness.
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Makar Sankranti Rituals
Makar Sankranti is a memorable day for worshipping Lord Surya and seeking blessings from other gods. The rituals involve cleaning and decorating, offering raw rice and prayers to gods, and lighting lamps.
People donate utensils to married women and engage in acts of kindness to welcome blessings. Taking a dip in holy rivers is a common practice for clearing from sins. Makar Sankranti is celebrated with delicious dishes made from newly gathered crops.
Makar Sankranti Cherished Traditions
Feasting- During Makar Sankranti, people enjoy delicious feasts filled with delights. From sweet delights like tilkut and gajak to delicious dishes like khichdi, the tables are decorated with a variety of flavors.
Kite Flying- In Gujarat and other places, Makar Sankranti means lots of kite flying. The sky gets filled with colorful kites, and individuals enjoy friendly competitions to see who is the best at flying them.
Harvest Rituals- Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival. Farmers take part in special rituals in their fields to thank for a good harvest and blessings for the next farming season.
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Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a big celebration in India and Nepal on January 15, 2024. Welcoming the sun’s shift into Capricorn and the onset of spring. It is time for families to come together, have feasts with tasty treats, fly colorful kites, and do special things for the harvest. These ceremonies make everyone cheerful and bring everyone closer during this festive time.
