Makar Sankranti: Date, Time, Significance And Festival Information

Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival that symbolizes the sun entering the sign of Capricorn. This festival is celebrated on the 14th or 15th of January every year. Makar Sankranti is known by various names, such as Uttarayan, Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Magh Bihu (Assam), and Lohari (Punjab). This festival is mainly a celebration of the worship of the sun god and the arrival of new crops.

Importance of Makar Sankranti

Solar Record:

Makar Sankranti is the day when the Sun enters Capricorn. From this day on, the sun becomes Uttarayana, that is, moves towards the northern hemisphere. It is considered auspicious and the days start to get bigger.

Harvest Festival:

The festival is also the time of harvest of new crops, so farmers celebrate it with special enthusiasm. It is of special importance to the agricultural society.

Religious significance:

On the day of Makar Sankranti, it is considered pious to take a bath in Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and other holy rivers. Holy bath and charity are of special importance on this day.

Makar Sankranti Rituals and Traditions

Bath and charity:

On the day of Makar Sankranti, arghya is offered to the sun god by taking a bath in holy rivers, ponds or at home.

Kitefly:

Kite flying is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and many parts of North India. Colorful kites fly in the sky, and people enjoy kitesurfing with each other.

Sesame-Jaggery Ladoos:

Laddus and other sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery are eaten and distributed on this day. These sweets are also healthy and are considered to be especially beneficial during the winter season.

Pongal:

In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal. It is a four-day festival, in which "Pongal," a dish made of fresh rice, milk, and jaggery, is of special importance. It is celebrated together with family and community.

Magh Bihu:

In Assam, this festival is celebrated as "Magh Bihu" It is also called "Bhogali Bihu", in which people celebrate the new harvest and organize special feasts.

Mythology of Makar Sankranti

Lord Sun and Children:

According to mythology, on this day, Lord Sun comes to meet his son Saturn. This day symbolizes the union of father and son and is seen as love and affection.

The Story of Bhishma the Grandfather:

Bhishma, the grandfather of the Mahabharata, sacrificed his life on the day of Makar Sankranti. He had the power to give up his life of his own free will and chose this day because it is considered the best time to attain salvation.

Social and Cultural Significance of Makar Sankranti

Social Unity:

Makar Sankranti brings people together. It symbolizes social unity, love, and cultural diversity. People enjoy the festival together with their friends and family.

New Energy:

This festival communicates new energy, positivity, and hope. The days begin to get longer and the sun becomes more powerful, symbolizing a new beginning in life. Makar Sankranti is a festival that not only has religious and spiritual significance, but is also very important from an agricultural, social, and cultural point of view. This festival reminds us to respect the cycle of nature and the infinite energy of the sun. Makar Sankranti gives us a message of unity, love, and positivity, and inspires us to pursue life with new energy and enthusiasm.