Makar Sankranti 2024

Date, history, significance, and celebration of the festival...

Makar Sankranti is an annual celebration signifying the onset of the harvest season and the sun's transition to Capricorn, marking the arrival of warmer days and the conclusion of the cold winter.

Following Makar Sankranti, the days gradually lengthen, and this Uttarayan period extends for approximately six months.

Sankranti, denoting the sun's movement, holds particular significance, with Makar Sankranti being the most pivotal among the 12 Sankranti occurring throughout the year.

The harvest festival is joyously celebrated throughout the country, each region embracing unique rituals and names.

Whether it's Pousha Sankranti in West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab, or Magh Bihu in Assam, the festivities resonate across India.

During Makar Sankranti, people discard old belongings, welcoming the new year with hopes of success and prosperity.

Festivities commence with a thorough house cleaning and a morning bath, adorned in traditional attire. The day involves worshiping Lord Indra, the God of rains, and Lord Surya, seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest and happiness in the upcoming year.

Makar Sankranti is a day of joyous activities, from flying kites to savoring traditional dishes like khichdi or dahi-chooda. Delightful foods crafted from rice, jaggery, sugarcane, sesame seeds, maize, and peanuts include Gud Ki Chikki, popcorn, Til Kut, khichdi, undhiyu, and gud kheer, adding a flavorful touch to the festive celebration.

Date

In 2024, Makar Sankranti is observed on January 15, deviating from its usual date of January 14. This aligns with drikpanchang, marking the day preceding the Lohri festivities on January 14.

History and Significance

Makar Sankranti's roots trace back to ancient times, reflecting the agricultural importance in the country. It marks the commencement of the sun's northward journey, symbolizing the arrival of warmer and auspicious times.

Hindus partake in a sacred dip in rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna during this period, with the grand Kumbh Mela organized once every 12 years adding a significant religious dimension to the celebration.

In Hindu belief, passing away during the auspicious period of Uttarayan is thought to grant salvation from the cycle of death and rebirth.

According to legend, Bhishma Pitamah, mortally wounded in the epic battle of Kurukshetra, utilized a boon from his father, choosing to delay his death by a couple of days. This ensured that he could depart during the sacred time of Uttarayan, symbolizing a spiritual release from the cycle of life and death.

Celebrations 

Makar Sankranti is linked to the birth of the deity 'Narashansa,' considered the inaugural preceptor of righteousness in Kaliyuga and a precursor to Kalki, the ultimate avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology.

Makar Sankranti holds significance as the day symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, as Lord Vishnu defeated the demon Sankarasura during this celebration.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with enthusiasm, and in some regions, the festivities extend for 2-4 days. Rituals include lighting bonfires, preparing rice and sugarcane dishes, and participating in music and dance activities, creating a shared cultural experience across diverse communities.