Makar Sankranti 2024: Significance, Date & Muhurat Timings
Makar Sankranti is one of the most enthusiastically celebrated festivals in India in January every year. In Makar Sankranti celebrations, the whole country comes alive in vibrant colors & hymns and has festivities with great zeal and energy. Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into the Capricorn zodiac (Makar), signifying the end of winter and the beginning of longer, brighter days.
In this article, we talk about the significance Makar Sankranti festival the shubh muhurat for Makar Sankranti 2024 and how is it celebrated.
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival, marking the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiac (makara). The festival celebrates the harvest season and days that receive more sun rays ahead due to the sun’s movement towards the north. Astrologically, the sun moves to the Makar zodiac which is the house of Saturn – shani who is the son of Surya Dev.
Sun and Saturn (father and son) both have a hostile relationship towards each other. However, during Makar Sankranti, the Sun puts his anger towards his son aside and steps to form a cordial relationship. This religiously auspicious time window also acknowledges the agricultural abundance associated with the winter harvest.
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Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Makar Sankranti holds significance in Hindu culture as it signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. This celestial event is astrologically and spiritually crucial as it represents a shift in the sun’s movement and its impact on our planet, Earth.
The start of the northward movement of the sun, known as the Uttarayana, is considered auspicious and a time of increased positive energy. It symbolizes the end of darkness and the arrival of light. The festival also holds agricultural significance, marking the harvest season when farmers express gratitude for the bountiful crops and good harvest.
On Makar Sankranti, the sun’s rays are believed to have immense purifying and healing properties and thus, special prayers and rituals are performed to honor Surya, and people take part in the tradition of offering sesame seeds and jaggery to the deity as it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
That is why the festival is a time for purification and new beginnings. Families and friends get together to offer prayers, exchange gifts, and greetings, and bond over the festivities and feasts.
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Makar Sankranti 2024: Date & Shubh Muhurat
In 2024, Makar Sankranti celebrations will fall on January 15th. On Makar Sankranti, the sun transitions from the Sagittarius zodiac sign (dhanu) to the Capricorn zodiac sign (makar).
- Makar Sankranti Punyakaal – 07:15 AM to 06:21 PM
Duration – 11 hours 06 minutes - Makar Sankranti Mahapunya Kaal – 07:15 AM to 09:06 AM
Duration – 01 hour 51 minutes
‘Punya’ is a Sanskrit word meaning holy, virtuous, or Sacred while ‘Kaal’ in Sanskrit refers to time. Together, the meaning of “Punyakaal” becomes the time that is sacred or holy. During Sun’s transition from one zodiac (rashi) to another, there lies a brief period when it appears in both zodiacs and encompasses the characteristics of both rashis. This period is known as Punya Kaal and this time window is considered very auspicious as all can reap the benefits of both zodiacs.
Noble activities and deeds such as taking a dip in rivers, Surya puja, daan (donations and charities) are done during this time. Since Makar Sankranti punya kaal marks the beginning of Uttarayana (summer solstice), it is considered the most auspicious of all.
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How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
- On Makar Sankranti people take a holy dip in rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, Godavari, and Krishna. Devotees believe that this act offers purification and bestows auspiciousness.
- The festival is also associated with the tradition of donating items such as jaggery, grains, clothing, black sesame seeds, and khichdi, which are believed to bring prosperity.
- The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm across India. People exchange sweets made of sesame and jaggery like til ke laddo, gur ka halwa, symbolizing warmth during the winter.
- In many states, kite flying competitions are organized, adding vibrancy and joy to the celebrations. Bonfires, feasts, and charitable activities are also common during this festival.
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Makar Sankranti 2024: Different States, Different Names
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names and customs across various parts of India. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: In these states, it’s known as “Khichdi” or “Tila Sankranti.” People take a dip in holy rivers, and the day is marked by the preparation and consumption of khichdi (a dish made of rice and lentils).
- Gujarat and Maharashtra: Here, it’s celebrated as “Uttarayan.” Kite flying competitions are a big part of the festivities. The sky is filled with colorful kites, and people enjoy the thrill of flying them high.
- Tamil Nadu: In the southern part of India, especially Tamil Nadu, it’s known as “Pongal.” People cook a special dish called Pongal, made with newly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
- Punjab: In Punjab, it’s celebrated as “Lohri.” Bonfires are lit, and people gather around to sing and dance. It’s particularly festive for farmers, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.
- Assam: In Assam, it’s called “Bihu.” Traditional dance and music are a big part of the celebrations. People also exchange sweets and traditional Assamese dishes.
- Karnataka: In Karnataka, it’s known as “Sankranthi.” People make colorful rangoli, fly kites, and exchange a special mixture called “Ellu-Bella” made of sesame seeds and jaggery.
- Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, it’s celebrated as “Makar Sankrant.” People exchange gifts, especially clothes, and eat traditional sweets like til ke laddoo and gur.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that falls on winter solstice. Make the most of this auspicious time and celebrate Makar Sankranti with prayer, hope and positivity in your heart, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest, and
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