Makar Sankranti:meaning, cultural and religious significance

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival, marks the transition of the sun into the Hindi zodiac sign of Makara.

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Welcome to the world of engrossed readings at www.onindiapath.com. Today I am going to put light on the meaning, traditions and rituals and significance of Makar Sankranti 2024.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Makar Sankranti is a time of joy, celebrations, feasting, and cultural and religious festivities throughout the country and the world. It marks the transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to the Zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). Although it is a festival that signifies the change in weather, it also marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Furthermore, Makar Sankranti celebrates the journey of Surya Dev (Lord Sun) from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, popularly known as Uttarayan.

Lets throw light on various aspects of this sweet ad colourful festival of India :

Makar Sankranti-Spiritual Cleansing

Moreover, it is considered auspicious to have maha snana on this day at various ghats of Holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Ganga Sagar. Taking a holy Dip in these holy rivers is a way to cleanse your aura and mind from negativites. Certainly, many Hindus go for holy dip in Kumbh and Maha Kumbh on this sacred day.

Date and titthi of Makar Sankranti

In 2024, Makar Sankranti is scheduled for January 15. Due to the occurrence of a Leap year and Adhik mas in 2023, the date has shifted to 15 January; typically, it falls on the 14th of January. The Sun will enter the Capricorn Zodiac sign at 2:45 AM. According to the Hindu Panchang, the tithi falls on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha of Pausha Maas.

Vibrant Celebrations

Apparently, this festival is vibrant and full of zeal. It goes by different names in various geographical locations. For instance, it is called Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Sankranti in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Maghi in Punjab, Tila Sankranti in Bihar, and Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh.

Makar Sankranti-Harvest festival

Additionally, this festival signifies the beginning of longer days, marking the end of Winters. It is a harvest festival, and people express gratitude for the harvest by praying to Lord Sun for prosperity. Meanwhile, people prepare special dishes made from newly harvested crops, such as sesame seeds, jaggery, and various grains like millets. Especially in southern part of India, where Pongal is a the festival of harvest, female counterparts of thw house make sweets and other delicacies from Till,Millets and freshly harvested crops.

Kite flying Tradition of Makar Sankranti

One of the traditional customs associated with Makar Sankranti is kite flying, especially in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. International Kite flying competition are organised to add the fun. People don vibrant and colorful clothes and make special arrangements for kite-flying activities at community centers and open areas.

Digital celebrations

Contemoporary times has given a boost to our neccessity to live in digital celebrations. Consequently, social media is flooded with Snapchat, Video calls, Inst reeels, Selfies with personalised patang(kite) and much more days before the mystical festival. Moreover, digital world has filled up the geographical distance.Therefore, social media influencers and content creators have revived the spirit of Hinduism among youth in a unique and digital way.

Sankranti vibes of decoration

I have been witnessing the flamboyance in decorative ideas in homes and temples since my childhood. My grandma used to decorate the home with freshly grown and plucked marigold flowers. additionally, She used to recite Satya Narayan Katha in the morning and we all used to sit and listen to her. Later, she used to give Prasadam to all of us. Now, I follow the tradition of puja and prasadam like her. Eventually, people also light diyas at temple and main gate of house.

Traditional attires for Makar Sankranti

Indian attire is the most colourful and vibrant clothing. How can we miss this oppurtunity for shining in the crowd? Women look elegant in colourful sarees and lehnga and choli. In addition to this, men wear kurta payjama, indo western kurta with dhoti to look elegant and classy.

Feasting on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is the festival of rejoicing sweet til-gud laddoos, mungfali chikki and millets puris and kachoris. Indian ladies are famous for making these delicacies at home efficiently. Although, home-cooked food has a different level of taste and aroma. For few people, I might sound like a old fogy in modern times, but it is all matter of choice. I never advocate the concept of killing the freedom of women, and keep her busy for 24×7 in kitchen. However, I believe in concept of enjoying life with a vision. I enjoy cooking and write also.

Conclusion

Thus, this blog delve into the cultural insight of Makar Sankranti, the celebration of harvest, season change, sun transition and togetherness of families and communities. Hence forth, families come together to fly kites, exchange greetings and indulge in festive feasts. Lets celebrate this joyous occasion that marks the beginning of longer days and the onset of warmer weather on Januaury 15. Have a blessed time ahead. Keep growing with us.

About Author

Akansha Agarwal

Namaste! AKANSHA AGARWAL is on a mission to help people to fall in love with India and its richest culture. She holds M.A. and B.A. in Mass communications. Her 12 years of work experience as a copywriter and content writer has marked her journey more fun and enthralling. She strongly believe in Karma and abide by the Niyama and Yama of Hinduism. She has been a spiritual seeker, Reiki healer, teacher, guide and mentor to many young minds. She would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading.

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