What is Makar Sankranti? | Meaning of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti festival is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrated in the Hindu month of Magha, which is the month of January in the Gregorian calendar. It's a multifaceted festival and represents multiculturalism in today's society where the different states and cultures celebrate the festival in their unique ways. The religious factor of Makar Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is, it is a festival dedicated to Surya Devta or Sun God.

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Makar Sankranti Celebration: Why We Celebrate Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti Kite Flying

Makar Sankranti is a festival of Celestial importance, as the Sun begins its northward journey and enters the Makar Rashi (the Zodiac sign of Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer, which is a Makar Sankranti significance and associated with Lord Surya, the SunGod. The Sun is known as the giver of life, is considered immensely powerful and the Hindus worship the Sun God with reverence. The word Sankranti means transit or movement of the Sun from one Zodiac sign to another, with 12 Sankrant is in a year, out of which the importance of Makar Sankranti is highest. So this particular transit of Sun from one Zodiac sign to another holds importance for the Hindus. An interesting fact about Makar Sankranti is, it usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January, every year, with exception of certain years when it differs by a day or so. This festival is also one of the very few festivals which are observed as per the Solar cycle as generally Hindu calendar follows the lunar cycles.

For the farmers, the importance of the Makar Sankranti celebration translates into celebrating the completion of the harvesting season. It can be called a festival of thanksgiving for the harvest, to Sun God. Makar Sankranti’s reason for celebration is the bounty of grains that are harvested. It is a festival of new beginnings. Makar Sankranti is also called by various other names, like, Makar Sankranti, Maghi, and other names in various states of India. The festival of Lohri is celebrated in Punjab and the Northern part of India the day before or rather the evening before Makar Sankranti.

When Is Makar Sankranti? (Date & Time)

Makara Sankranti on Monday, January 15, 2024

Makara Sankranti Punya Kala - 07:15 AM to 06:21 PM
Duration - 11 Hours 06 Mins
Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala - 07:15 AM to 09:06 AM
Duration - 01 Hour 51 Mins

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Surya Radiance mala in silver

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Surya Radiance Mala in silver made with 12 Mukhi Rudraksha beads of Java origin and silver caps is a beautiful accessory to wear every day and imbibe the benefits of 12 Mukhi Rudraksha. Sun being the ruling deity of 12 Mukhi Rudraksha, the wearer is blessed with the quality of Sun to move continuously with strength. Chanting the Mantras provided along with it enhances its powers. This Mala is strung according to the Rudraksha Ratna Science Therapy and it is available in two different sizes.

Surya Power

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This unique neckpiece is thoughtfully designed according to the Rudraksha Ratna Science Therapy (RRST). Beautifully strung in the combination of 3 mukhi, 7 mukhi , Gauri Shankar and 12 mukhi Rudraksha of Nepal origin, This divine Surya power combination enhances confidence and boosts the mental, emotional and physical powers of the wearer. Click to know more about this powerful product

Makar Sankranti Puja and Homa

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The Makar Sankranti Puja holds immense significance in Hinduism. This puja is performed in order to pacify the malefic effect of Saturn and Sun. This puja also removes the Shani Dosha and Surya Dosha if the Puja is done on this particular day. In order to know about this puja and to learn more click on this link.

Shree Gayatri Yantra - Gold - 6 inches

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This powerful Gayatri Yantra is deeply inscribed on thick copper with gold finish. This Yantra holds the divine energies of Goddess Gayatri who is believed to bestow spiritual success and divine grace to lead a prosperous and peaceful life. Worshipping the Yantra and chanting the mantra regularly helps open the heart to receive the boundless grace of Goddess. It also helps in attracting positivity and peace. Click to know more.

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How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with utmost happiness and zest in every state of India. The daytime starts gradually increasing from this day onwards. The Makar Sankranti celebrations are fun filled, with the inclusion of activities like flying Kites during the daytime under the winter Sunlight. Not only this, but the festival had many religious aspects as cited in religious manuscripts which enlighten us about the festivals religious significance. Common customs are preparation of Makar Sankranti special delicious sweets and performing the Makar Sankranti Puja Vidhi or Makar Sankranti rituals. Rice, Til(Sesame seeds),Jaggery(Gud) are ingredients which are significant and common, used to prepare sweets across India, as part of Makar Sankranti rituals. These are offered to God, as well as eaten enthusiastically on this festive day. Rice is to signify abundance and prosperity after the harvest season. Some people perform Makar Sankranti Homam to gain divine blessings from the Lord. On this day, Mela or Fairs are organised, some of which are well known ones like the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal, Magha Mela in Allahabad/Prayag and other Melas. The famous Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years, starts on the day of Makar Sankranti.

WHERE IS MAKAR SANKRANTI CELEBRATED?

The auspicious Sankranti festival is celebrated in different ways across India, the purpose being the same, to pay obeisance to Sun God and thank for the rich harvest. Many people also celebrate this day by taking a dip in the Holy Ganga River reciting Gayatri mantra while offering traditional salutations to Lord Sun. Makar Sankranti Kite flying is an integral part of the festival in most regions, which is enjoyed by the children and adults, which gives it the name of Flying Kites festival. Some states have the Makar Sankranti ritual of worshipping cattle which they own on this day. The names and Makar Sankranti Puja Vidhi in each state are different.

Gujarat - It is commonly called Uttarayan or Vasi Uttarayan in Gujarat. Flying colourful Kites, eating Makar Sankranti special dishes, like, Undhiyu, a tangy mixed vegetable dish with fresh winter vegetables and tasty Chikkis made of Til (Sesame), Peanuts and Jaggery are all part of Makar Sankranti Uttarayan in Gujarat. Makar Sankranti Kite Flying competitions are also held on this day in the state.
Tamil Nadu - The festival is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu and celebrated over four days. Sweet Pongal made of Rice boiled in Milk with Jaggery or Sugar is the special dish. Sun God is offered Milk boiled with Jaggery on the second day of Pongal. The custom of discarding old clothes is part of the festival.
Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand - Makar Sankaranti is called Sakraat or Khichdi. Takinga holy dip in Allahabad, Varanasi in UP and Haridwar in Uttarakhand during Sun rise hours, flying kites, wearing new clothes, eating Til Gud Ladoo, Kichdi are integral part of the festival.
Maharashtra - It is called Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra. The Makar Sankranti Sugad Pujan is a special Sankranti Puja in Maharashtra which is performed on this day at homes. Traditionally Sesame and Jaggery(Gud) Ladoos are prepared and distributed among friends and relatives. The phrase 'Tilgul ghya goad goad bola' is said to each other with the exchange of these sweets in means, have the sweet of Til and Gud and speak sweetly.Puran/Pooran Pauli a flat bread made with stuffing of Jaggery and Gram flour served with pure Ghee, Halwa is another Makar Sankranti special dish of the day. Women apply Haldi-Kumkum tika to each other and exchange Sankranti Vaan or gifts. Flying Kites is also a part of the Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra.
Punjab - The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi. A Bonfire is lit,men and women dance the traditional Bhangra. Kheer made of Rice, Milk and Sugar or Sugarcane juice is prepared at home, eaten and shared with friends and relatives. Gud and Khichdi are eaten as part of the Magi rituals.
West Bengal - The festival is called Poush Sankranti, celebrated through three days. Taking a holy dip in the Ganga in the morning, offering water and worshipping Lord Surya early in the morning. Special dishes made of Rice flour, Coconut, Date Jaggery or Khejurer gur and milk called Pitha, is eaten and shared with loved ones. The Poush Shankranti Celebration in Shanti Niketan is well known as a traditional cultural festival, started by Rabindranath Tagore, in which celebrities participate too in current time.
Assam - Makar Sankranti is called Bihu in Assam. Special food is prepared and served intemporary huts which are burnt the next day.
Rajasthan - Called Sankrat or Makar Sankrat, celebrations include Makar Sankranti special sweets like Til-patti(like Chikki), Pheeni, Ghewar, Kheer etc. are prepared and served. The women follow a special tradition of gifting household objects to 13 women.
Bihar and Jharkhand - The festival is called Sakraat or Khichdi. This starts with offering Til to Fire and worship. Special Dahi-Chura, Red Pumpkin is eaten on this day, Til Gud sweets add the happy sweetness to the festival.
Karnataka - It is called Suggi and is very much a festival of farmers. The ritual of Ellu Birodhu is followed in which a plate with offerings of Sesame mixed with fried groundnuts, Coconut, Jaggery are given to friends and other families.

MAKAR SANKRANTI HISTORY

As per Hindu mythological Scriptures it is believed that on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, Lord Surya visits his son Lord Shani, who is also the ruling Planet of the Sun sign Capricorn. Legend has it that the relationship between them were not good because of many differences. This visit by Lord Surya to His Son denotes celebration of the healthy relationship, despite the differences. So, it is also believed that if a father visits his son on this particular day, their conflicts get resolved and positivity is shared with happiness and prosperity.

Another Makar Sankranti story is about the powerful Bhishma Pitamah, of the Indian epic Mahabharata. He was blessed with a special boon of choosing his own time of death. At the end of the Kurukshetra war, when an injured Bhisma was lying on the bed of arrows, he waited for the auspicious time of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti as his time of death. So it is said that whoever dies during this period achieves salvation.

Another legend associated with Makar Sankranti is that once there was a demon named Sankarasur who terrorized people of earth. Goddess Sankranti, the goddess of festival came down to earth and slayed the demon Sankarasur on the day of Makar Sankranti.

SCIENTIFIC REASON BEHIND CELEBRATING MAKAR SANKRANTI

Mostly, Hindu festivals are backed by some scientific reason based on the season etc. Some Makar Sankranti scientific reasons are as below.

Apart from the cultural aspects, there is a scientific reason behind Makar Sankranti celebration. It has been a known fact from ancient times in India that the Sun of this Solar system is the pivot or centre, being the source of energy, light and heat for all planets including Earth which takes 365 days to orbit around the Sun. The Solar system (cycle of360 degrees) is split into twelve sections called Zodiacs, of thirty degrees each (360/12Months). All those zodiacs carry some characteristics or innate nature that hinge upon the position of the relationship between Earth and Sun.

The amount of Sunlight is proportional to the length of the day. Throughout the year, the Sunlight decreases in the zodiac phases of the Sun in the period between July and December when the Sun moves downwards, decreasing the day time, which means decrease in Sunlight. The Sun is the prime source of energy for Earth and life of living creatures, plants thrive in its Solar energy. Between January and May the Sun journeys upwards. ‘Uttar’ means Northward (moving upward) and ‘Ayan’ means ‘movement’, so it is called Uttarayan.

On Makar Sankranti the Sun moves Northward and the first zodiac to be crossed is Makara(Capricorn) and Sankranti means movement of the Sun. So, this festival in January marks the revival of Solar energy, light and heat. It is also the time of harvest for farmers in India. Harvesting season symbolizes the benevolence of nature which provides a continuous supply of food, the most essential requirement for every living being on the Planet.

Makar Sankranti scientific reasons also reflect on the tradition of flying Kites on this day, as it exposes us to the Sunlight, the Solar energy, after short daytime hours of winter. The Solar energy is absorbed in our body while flying Kites which is essential for the body.

MAKAR SANKRANTI 2024: SANKRANTI SNAAN, HOLY DIP IN HOLY WATERS

Scriptures suggest that on the day of Makar Sankranti one should take a holy bath and give donation (daan). Snaan or holy bath epitomizes purity and Satvikta (mode of goodness).One should offer water to the Sun while bathing. Sun entering the Capricorn sign increases the energies of the Sun that enter our body through the Sun rays.

Taking bath in the waters of Ganga is considered highly auspicious. Legend has it that Ganga descended on Earth due to severe austerity of Bhagirath. Ganga had a conjunction with the ocean for the retrieval of ocean. It is said that the day Ganga dissolved in the Ocean was the day of Makar Sankranti. As it may not be possible for many to take a dip in the River Ganga , you can mix a bit of Ganga jal in the water you are bathing with and chant this Mantra while bathing.

'Ganga Cha Yamuna Chaiva Godavari Saraswati,
Narmada Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru'

RUDRA CENTRE PUJA SERVICES PERFORMED MAKAR SANKRANTI PUJA ON 14TH JAN 2023

Rudra Centre Team celebrated the festival of Kites and Harvest “Makar Sankranti” in the Chakra Yog Hall. The celebrations began with a Makar Sankranti Surya Puja. Til laddos and ice-cream were distributed. The age old custom of ‘Haldi Kumkum’ was celebrated by the women staff. Each of them was presented with a traditional mogra garland, gift and sweets. Sakhashree Neeta enlightened the staff about the practical and spiritual significance of the festival. We pray this year brings a wave of happiness, contentment and riches to all. Happy Makar Sankranti and Happy Pongal! Til Gul Ghya Goad Goad Bola तिळगुळ घ्या गोड गोड बोला !!!

Makar Sankranti Puja

HOW TO DO MAKAR SANKRANTI PUJA VIDHI?

Those who want to celebrate Makar Sankranti and conduct a holy puja at their home must consider the special Makar Sankranti Puja Vidhi. Please follow the below steps:

Before you start the Puja, keep the Punya Kaal Muhurta or Uttarayana Punyakalam andMaha Punya Kaal Muhurta (mentioned above) in mind. Make sure all the images or idols are clean and properly placed in the Puja altar. This Puja will be conducted to seek blessings of Lord Surya, so keep his idol or image in your Altar.

In a plate keep four black and four white Til Ladoos and Ghevar(a sweet). Keep some money on the plate.
Among other ingredients are a mixture of rice flour and turmeric powder, Betel Nuts and Betel leaves, Holy water or Ganga jal, fresh flowers and incense sticks.
Keep this plate of offering in front of the idol of Lord Surya. And start the Puja prayers.
As per rituals, during the Puja, ladies must cover their heads with Dupatta or Saree's pallu.
Chant the Surya mantra for minimum 21 times or 108 times.

Surya Mantra: Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah

Some devotees wear 12 mukhi Rudraksha during the Puja or they start wearing it after energizing Rudraksha in Puja. Among gemstone Ruby is worn on this day.

The Punya Kaal Muhurta is between 07:50 hrs to 18:17 hrs (IST)

Total Duration of 10 Hours 26 mins.

The Sankranti Moment will begin at 07:50 hrs.

The Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta will be between 07:50 hrs to 08:14 hrs.

Total Duration of just 24 mins.

BENEFITS OF CONDUCTING MAKAR SANKRANTI PUJA:

The Consciousness or Cosmic intelligence increases to many levels, so by conducting Puja you can derive benefits of higher consciousness.
The Spiritual emotion enhances the body and purifies it.
The offerings done during this period yields successful results.
It's a holy time to spread Spirituality and Dharma in society.

WHAT TO DO ON MAKAR SANKRANTI?

6 things you can do on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti or Makar Sankramana is a day that denotes new beginnings, post Makar Sankranti day begins the auspicious time. The day has both religious and fun activities. Here are 6 things you may choose to do on Makar Sankranti.

As per rituals take a holy dip in the Ganga River or any other river if nearby. If not possible, take a bath at home with Gangaajal mixed in water.
Offer water to Surya Devta while chanting Mantra.
Donation is an important part of this festival. Donate Til Gud sweets, blankets, Rice Kheer etc. Donation on this day blesses you with abundance.
Keep chanting Surya Mantra mentally throughout the day and keep thanking Him.
Fly Kites with joy. Be in the Sunlight as the rays of the Sun help to boost immunity.
Eat Rice based food items like Kheer, Dahi Chawal etc.

Makar Sankranti FAQ

What to donate on Makar Sankranti?

Donations made on this day are important and are an integral part of the festival. Donations of Sesame seeds or Til Gud sweets, Rice Kheer, food, warm clothes, Blankets, Utensils of metal, Kites and anything else you would want to donate. Donating on Makar Sankranti has been given importance, and when done with a clear intention of serving, it showers the person with abundance.

Why Do We Fly Kites on Makar Sankranti?

The idea of flying Kites is to be in the Sunlight. The duration of daytime increases from this day onwards after winter. Sunlight is healing for the body, it boosts the immune system, heals skin related diseases etc. Flying Kites is also said to be a way to thank the Divine. The joy, laughter and physical exercise also adds to our energy, vitality and happiness quotient.

मकर संक्रांति २०२४

मकर संक्रांति को पुरे भारतवर्ष मे सबसे उचित और बहुत महत्वपूर्ण त्यौहार माना गया है। सांस्कृतिक रूप से इस बहुमुखी त्यौहार को भारत के भिन्न भिन्न राज्यों में अलग अलग नाम से जाना जाता है। जैसे पोंगल तामिल नाडु में, माघ बिहू और भोगल बिहू असम में, लोहरी पंजाब और हरयाणा में, खिचड़ी उत्तर प्रदेश में और तिल संक्रांति बिहार में। इस त्यौहार को सभी राज्यों में विभिन्न प्रकार से मनाया जाता है। हलाकि उत्सव मानाने की भावना सर्व सामान है।

इस त्यौहार का क्या महत्व है?

मुख्य रूप रूप से इसे किसानो का त्यौहार माना हैं। फसलों की कटाई इसी त्यौहार में की जाती है और सरे किसान परिवार ख़ुशी-ख़ुशी इस उत्सव को समुदायिक रूप से मनाते है।

खगोलशाष्त्र और ज्योतिष शास्त्र: खगोलशास्त्र के अनुसार इस दिन शीत काल समाप्त हप्ता है और सूर्य का उत्तरायण की शुरुआत होती है।

उत्तरायण का अर्थ है की सूर्य इस दिन उत्तर दिशा की ओर संक्रमण या प्रवास करते है। ज्योतिष शास्त्र के अनुसार सूर्य इस दिन मकर राशि में प्रवेश करता है। साधुओ और संतो इस उत्तरायण को देवताओं के काल के रूप में पूजा करते है | इस त्यौहार के बाद की सभी त्योहारों सूत्रपात या आरम्भ होता है।