Makar Sankranti

MAKAR SANKRANTI : WHY IS THE DAY CELEBRATED AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE.

Makar Sankranti

Introduction:

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the nation. This year, in 2025, the festival of Makar Sankranti falls on Tuesday, January 14th. The Punya Kaal (auspicious period) will span a generous 8 hours and 43 minutes from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM on January 14. This time span is regarded as the most auspicious time and this is the starting point of harvest festival .

History of Makar Sankranti:

The history of Makar Sankranti is very interesting. The history of it is deeply rooted in ancient Indian culture. This festival started in the Vedic period. People celebrate this day as the Sun’s transition into Capricorn as a victory over darkness. There is a belief that this event celebrates a time when the cold and harsh winter began to give way to the warmth of the Sun. This celebration symbolizes hope and new beginnings.

Myths of celebrating this day:

On this day, devotees worship the Sun and Goddess Lakshmi in honour of Makar Sankranti. People eat a variety of traditional foods on Makar Sankranti, including dishes made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice. It is a belief that on this day, people should take vegetarian food.

Makar Sankranti

Significance of celebration of Makar Sankranti:

One of the most significant aspects  is its connection to the harvest season. In this time, the Sun moves into the northern hemisphere. It is a belief that the sun is there to bring warmth and light that nurtures the crops. This is a time when farmers reap the crop of their hard work, and the festival serves as a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest.

It is especially observed in Punjab, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. It marks the beginning of the harvest season for a variety of crops, like- rice, sugarcane, and sesame seeds. Farmers thank the Sun and other gods for the harvest. It signifies the future prosperity.

Conclusion:

On the occasion of Makara Sankranti, people take a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of Ganga and Jamuna. The holy dip is considered to result in forgiveness of past sins. People also submit their prayers to God Surya and thank for their wealth and triumph. As per the Hindu calendar, there are 12 Sankranti in a year. Out of all the Sankranti, Makar Sankranti or Poush Sankranti is considered as the most significant one which is celebrated throughout the country.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *