When is Makar Sankranti 2024?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the day when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn. In 2024, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15. The Sun will enter Capricorn at 2:42 AM on January 14, but the auspicious day for bathing and giving charity is January 15.
What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is a major festival in the Hindu calendar. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun. This is considered to be a very auspicious time for bathing, giving charity, and starting new ventures. Makar Sankranti, celebrated annually in January, honors the Hindu sun god Surya. Linked to Vedic texts and the deity Narashansa, it holds spiritual significance. People take holy dips in rivers for merit and absolution. Gratitude is expressed to the Sun for success. Sticky sesame sweets symbolize unity. In India, it marks the Rabi crop phase, fostering socializing and family bonding. The festival varies in name across regions, such as Pedda Panduga, Pongal, Magh Bihu, and Makara Sankranti. Traditions include flying kites in Gujarat.
What are the rituals of Makar Sankranti?
The most important ritual of Makar Sankranti is bathing in a holy river or pond. This is believed to cleanse away sins and bring good luck. Other rituals include giving charity, eating sweets made with sesame seeds, and flying kites.
The festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of warmer days, and indulging in delicious treats is a wonderful way to celebrate. Here are some ideas for what you can make:
Sesame-based sweets:
- Til laddus:
- Til chikki
- Til barfi:
What is the significance of the zodiac signs associated with Makar Sankranti?
In 2024, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated under the zodiac signs of Capricorn and Leo. Capricorn is a sign of stability and ambition, while Leo is a sign of courage and leadership. These signs are associated with the themes of progress, success, and prosperity.
What is the impact of Makar Sankranti on the country?
According to astrologers, Makar Sankranti 2024 will be a good year for India. The country’s economy is expected to grow, and there will be peace and prosperity.
The story behind Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti History
Sankranti is revered as a deity, known for defeating the demon Sankarasur. The day following Makar Sankranti is called Karidin or Kinkrant, when Devi vanquished the demon Kinkarasur. Details about Makar Sankranti are found in the Panchang, a Hindu Almanac that covers aspects like age, form, clothing, direction, and movement of Sankranti.
As per DrikPanchaang, the period between Makar Sankranti and the next 40 Ghatis (roughly 16 hours for Indian locations, with 1 Ghati considered as 24 minutes) is considered auspicious for various activities. This forty-Ghati duration is termed Punya Kaal. Sankranti rituals, including bathing, offering Naivedhya (food to deities), giving charity or Dakshina, performing Shraddha rituals, and breaking fast or Parana, are recommended during Punya Kaal. If Makar Sankranti occurs after sunset, all Punya Kaal activities are shifted to the following sunrise, emphasizing the need to conduct them in daylight.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a joyous festival that is celebrated by people of all faiths in India. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and renewal.
