Sweet shops bustling with orders for traditional Makar Sankranti sweets like tilgul, laddoos, and barfi. Makar Sankranti marks the start of the English calendar year and is a highly celebrated Hindu festival. Many names for this colorful festival exist throughout India, Khichdi in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Pongal in South India. 

Astrologically speaking, Sankranti is the day that the sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn, a celestial event that is widely observed. January 15th is Makar Sankranti, so mark your calendars. Since the sun enters Capricorn at 02:54 AM, this is a significant time for the festival.

Importance and Significance

This jazzy festival’s profound significance stems from its imposing homage to the Sun and other natural resources. It is a time to give thanks and offer prayers for all of these important natural occurrences in our lives. People adore and give thanks to Lord Surya for all of their blessings, including success and prosperity. Therefore, the Sun’s blessings remove any obstacles you may encounter and help you advance in your career.

Lohri 2024: Know the date, Significance and Celebrations 

Makar Sankranti Subh Muhurat’s date and Time

Make sure your schedule coincides with Makar Sankranti’s auspicious times:

Date: 15 January 2024

Punya Kaal: 06:41 AM to 06:22 PM (Auspicious Time)

Positive influence is promised by Ravi Yoga and the Sagittarius position of Mars and Mercury. This alignment is seen as very positive, particularly for people working in technology, publishing, writing, and politics. Sun worshippers believe that the hours between 07:15 and 08:07 am are especially powerful for attracting respect and prosperity.

To harmonize with the energies of the universe, bathe in a mixture of Ganga water and black sesame seeds. Giving Lord Surya Arghya is regarded as very fortunate. In a copper vessel, combine water, akshat, red sandalwood, jaggery, black sesame seeds, and red flowers. Chant “Om Suryaya Namah” as you hold it up to the sun to amplify the effects of your astrological signs.

Why do we fly kites on Makar Sankranti?  

Flying kites on Makar Sankranti are said to expose people to sunlight, which helps prevent or lessen winter-related illnesses and skin infections. This is based on ancient beliefs. Since the sun is a source of vitamin D, exposure to it has several health benefits. Some believe that on Makar Sankranti, people fly kites as a way of thanking the gods. Flying kites is one way that people celebrate and have fun during the festival, especially in Gujarat. 

Rituals 

Without the traditional round til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) delicacies, or til gur laddus, the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti is incomplete. A special meaning is attached to sesame seeds during Makar Sankranti. It is distributed as “daan” (charity) or eaten. In Hindu mythology, sesame seeds are said to have originated from Lord Vishnu’s sweat. Sesame seeds are blessed by the Hindu god of death, Yama, according to another legend. It has Ayurvedic qualities as well. They support better bone density, stress reduction, and blood pressure regulation. Additionally, they support the preservation of reproductive health.

States have different Makar Sankranti festival customs. People recite the Gayatri or Surya mantras to pray to the Sun God and take baths in sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari. 

Various Titles for Makar Sankranti

The name of Makar Sankranti differs in different Indian states.

• Bengaluru: Khichdi
• Uttarayan in Gujarat
• East Bengal: Makara Chaula
• Bihar: Up until Dahi Chura or Sakraat
• Makaravilakku in Kerala
• Suggi, Karnataka
• Bengal, West: Poush Sankranti
• Maharashtra: Kumkum Haldi
• Maghi Sankrant, Goa
• Magha Saaji, Himachal Pradesh
• Magh Bihu, Assam
• Pongal in Tamil Nadu