Makar Sankranti 2023

During this wonderful period of Makar Sankranti, it is marked as an epitome of season change. At this period, the autumn begins to dwindle, and this marks the beginning of the charming spring. As per its effective outcome, the days become longer and the nights become shorter. As per the beliefs of Hindu Religion, on this day only, Lord Vishnu announces the ending of the war with Asuras by pressing their heads in the strong and giant Mandar Mountain. Makar Sankranti is considered to be the day of victory over evil, good over bad, and it would guide you towards enlightenment, knowledge, and light. This day is marked as a win of positivity over the negative energy. This day is celebrated by everyone and is popular by different names in various other provinces. In Tamil Nadu, it is widely celebrated as Pongal.

Apart from that, this extremely enthusiastic and meaningful festival is popular as 'Sankranti' in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. It is also celebrated in different states across India, and undeniably it has various other popular names. In states like Bihar and Jharkhand, Makar Sankranti is traditionally known as 'Khichdi.' Uttarayan is considered to be a significant symbol. This is a day of positivity, and you could get indulged in various activities such as chanting, penance, charity, bathing, shraddha, tarpan, and many others. This is an amazing day to perform various auspicious occasions and events.

For regular days We at Bajrangi Dhaam always perform a small Pooja ritual and Makar Sankranti celebration for selected followers & the overall prosperity of our large client base every 14th January in the morning around 7.30 am. 

Why say Makar Sankranti?

The divine word 'Makara' means Capricorn, and 'Sankranti' means transition. On this auspicious day only, the sun enters Capricorn from powerful Sagittarius. Eventually, the process of displacement or leaving one sign and entering into another is popularly known as 'Sankranti.

The auspicious period when the Powerful and fiery Sun enters into Capricorn, and this entire process is known as Sankranti. As the sun enters Capricorn, this period is known as Makar Sankranti. As per the ancient and traditional Hindu Month, auspicious Makar Sankranti is popularly celebrated in Paush, Shukla Paksha.

Importance of Makar Sankranti 

Makar Sankranti is basically considered to be vital in the sun based Hinduism. The special importance of this day is widely mentioned in the authentic and traditionally Enriched 'Vedas' and 'Puranas.' However, exclusive celebrations of various auspicious festivals such as Holi, Diwali, Durgotsav, Maha Shivratri, and many other festivals are based on special, and authentic, and ethical stories behind it. Makar Sankranti is eventually an Astronomical Event that throws light on the crucial condition and direction or the traditional roots, approach, and consciousnesses. The importance and vitality of Makar Sankranti are the same for Hindus, such as peepal in trees, Airavat in elephants, and huge and mighty Himalayas in beautiful mountains. The Powerful entry of Capricorn from Sagittarius by the sun is widely known as Uttarayan. The evolution in Zodiac Signs is known as Makar Sankranti. Most probably, this is the only festival that is widely and popularly celebrated across India. However, it is true that the name varies from one province to another. Also, the type and ways of celebration also vary. Undeniably this is one of the most celebrated and amazing festivals that is widely celebrated. From this day only, the earth enters into a new year, and also, the sun enters and witnesses a new motion. Along with that, scientists also state that on March 21st, the earth absolutely completes one round of the sun, and so it is celebrated as a New year. January 14th is an auspicious day and is marked as the beginning of the good days. It is because of this, and the sun begins to move north instead of south. When Sun begins to travel from east to west, this effect is considered to be immensely bad.

However, when the sun moves from east to north, the Powerful and amazing rays positively impact the health and peace of an individual. On this day only, the holy and serene Ganges had descended on the earth. In Mahabharata, Pitamah Bhishma himself gave up the body just after the sun had passed on Uttarayan as the souls who left the body during Uttarayan either go to heaven for a particular. Period of time or simply get rid of the rebirth cycle. During leaving the body in Dakshinayan, the soul might face darkness, sadness, and despair for a longer time. Almost everything is under the law of Nature, and so almost everyone and everything is bound by the extensive and beautiful Nature. The plant blooms perfectly in light and could also shrink in the darkness. And so it is impeccably significant that death must be in the light so that we could visibly notice the speed and the type of situation. But the main question is, can we improve it? Do we have the right selection? Natives must know that the Powerful and the Almighty Lord Krishna himself stated in the pious and serene 'GITA' stated the vitality of Uttarayana. During this period of six months of Uttarayana when the immensely powerful and strengthened Sun God is Uttarayana, and at this time only, the earth remains extremely light. Along with that, the natives must remember that the renunciation of the body in this seraphic light does not reincarnate the people who have already attained Brahm. In contrast to that, the earth is overpowered with darkness when the sun is towards the sun. This darkness actually signifies that one has to be born after renouncing the body. Especially the cosmic significance of Makar Sankranti is immense.

The Cosmic Significance of Makar Sankranti

It is widely believed that when the sun moves from east to south, at this time, the rays of the sun are would be extremely bad. Apart from that, it is also true that when the sun starts to travel from east to north, it has an optimistic impact on your peace, prosperity, and health. Saints and natives who are associated with various spiritual activities would always attain peace and calmness as well as accomplishments. In simpler terms, humans move forward as they forget the bitter experiences of the past. The almighty Lord Krishna himself stated in the Gita that during this auspicious period.

Because of this, saints, spiritual souls, and devotional people who are associated with spiritual activities get peace and accomplishment to a greater extent. In simpler terms, gradually, the human progresses by forgetting the bitter and bad experiences and issues of the past life.

The almighty and the most powerful Lord Krishna himself stated in Gita that, in this auspicious period of 6 months of pious and serene Uttarayan. Also, when the sun god is in the serene period of Uttarayan, at this point, the earth is impeccably light, so by sacrificing the body in this light, man is not reborn, and Brahma receives. During the Mahabharata period, Bhishma Pitamah courageously had the boon of euthanasia. Undeniably, He sacrificed his body on the day of Makar Sankranti.

Cultural significance of Makar Sankranti festival

This wonderful festival is celebrated in various states of India and that too in different styles and patterns. Talking about south India, this beautiful festival is celebrated and named 'PONGAL.' Also, in the north side of India, this astonishing festival is popularly and widely known as 'Khichdi or Kite' festival. Apart from that, in the Madhya Bharata, it is named as Sankranti, Makar Sankranti or even 'Uttaravan' or 'Maghi Khichdi'and many others.

As per the ancient and traditional Hindu Theology, this is the day of purity and enlightenment. This is the day when good overpowers bad, and light overpowers darkness. This would last till the Month of Ashadh. Even in the ancient and as per the Hindu Mythology, during the Mahabharat Period, Bhishma Pitamah also chose this serene day of Makar Sankranti to give up his body. Along with that, it has other historical significance as well, such as on this auspicious day only, Gangaji followed Bhagirath and also met Kapil Muni in the Ocean. Also, on this day only, Maharaja Bhagirathi offered this day to his ancestors. In the memory of that only, wonderful fairs are organized at Gangasagar on Makar Sankranti.  

Why do you celebrate Makar Sankranti? 

It is believed that the powerful Lord Surya visits his son 'Saturn' and he appears to be the owner of Capricorn. And so the day is named as 'Makar Sankranti.' On this day only, the serene, tranquil, and seraphic Ganges River also descends on the earth, and so it leads to a huge celebration. Apart from that, even in the epic Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitama voluntarily gave up his body when the sun rose. There was a significant reason behind this that it is said that spirits that leave the body in Uttarayana either go to heaven or they get the divine and get rid of the cycle of regeneration and gain.

However, it is true that leaving the body in Dakshinayana, and the soul might have to face immense darkness for a longer period of time. It is the almighty Lord Krishna who also stated the immense importance of Uttarayan. During this time, the Sun God is Uttarayan, and even the earth remains light. Also, abandoning the body during this light does not regenerate the person, and people do attain Brahm. Also, when the Sun is Dakshin, and the earth becomes darker, then one has to be reborn, renouncing the body. It is a ritual and tradition to fly kites on this day in various destinations. People do enjoy various these amazing festivals and show gratitude, happiness, and joy. There is a religious reason behind flying kites, and that is Shri Ram also flew kites. On this day, there is a holiday for a few days, especially in Gujrat and Saurashtra. It is happily celebrated in all the states happily.

Traditions on Makar Sankranti

In Hinduism, almost every festival is incomplete without having sweets. As per the enriching tradition, there is a ritual of making Laddus and other dishes, which are made of sesame and jaggery, on this auspicious festival. People do consume sesame and jaggery and express their love and warmth towards each other. Sharing sweets with everyone would make your bitter relationship sweet. This would help you to inculcate positivity, attitude, and disseminate love without any boundaries or connotations. Eating and sharing sweets would also bring peace, harmony, and happiness to your life. Flying kites is definitely one of the most amazing thing rituals, and so the entire sky looks extremely beautiful and picturesque. Kite betting is also one of the most entertaining recreations to perform.

How to celebrate Makar Sankranti?

Bathing, charity, and virtue do have special importance as on this day, and people do apply Jaggery and Sesame in the holy river water. Just after this, people do offer water to Lord Surya. The almighty and powerful Lord Surya is worshipped as a product of a good future. After people do offer water to Lord Surya, he is prayed for a better and brighter future. Just after this, sesame, jaggery, blankets, and fruits are also donated. People do fly kites everywhere, which looks extremely beautiful. Also, many delicious and mouth-watering dishes are prepared and consumed. On this day only, people do make delicious Khichdi and offer it to the supreme Lord Suryadev. This festival is amazingly celebrated in different cities, and in many places, even the crops are harvested by the farmers. 

Importance of Bathing on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a very important day for the Indian people. They believe in taking a bath to get purified from all the signs and having a peaceful mind. In the Vedic Scriptures, this is a day of special importance. As it is calculated, this occasion is celebrated at the end of the winter season and the beginning of harvesting. This is a holy day for the farmers of India. Millions of people go for an early morning bath in the rivers all over India. Millions of people gather in holy rivers and get themselves purified. Despite the cold weather, devoted people come at dawn and take a bath. This is celebrated on a large scale across the country. The celebration starts early in the morning will devotees gathering in a volume of lakhs around a different part of the country amidst which some popular places are Gangaghat in Varanasi, Kurukshetra in Haryana, Triveni Sangam in Allahabad, Pushkar in Rajasthan, Godavari River in Nasik, and different other holy places. A huge festival called the Magh Mela is arranged every year in Allahabad, and even the Gangasagar in Kolkata is quite famous for this occasion.

Indeed Haridwar is a beautiful Holy place in India where people all over the world gather and take a dip into the thrilling cold river Ganga to wash their sins and purify themselves. Along with Ayodhya, devotees gather to take a bath in the Sarayu, praying to Maa Janaki at Ramlila, Hanumangarhi, and Hanuman in Kanak Bhavan. Haridwar celebrates this occasion will love and harmony. Fair is organized; where devotees show their enthusiasm and even foreigners from other countries take part in this festival. In Prayag and Gangasagar, bating in the river during this day is called Maha Sanan. Donation is called to be very beneficial on Makar Sankranti. Even the celebration of Makar Sankranti gives special importance to charity and the well-being of needy people. Thus, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the most auspicious occasion by the Indians, and people from around the world tend to take an interest in knowing about the occasion. This period brings great help for the people who are poor and needy. 

After the bath, people collaborate and donate money to the poor and needy. During this time, Khichdi is given utmost importance, as it is a nutritious food and keeps you warm during the chilled days. Khichdi, which is made of urad dal, rice, mixed spice, and healthy green vegetables of winter, gives you immunity and strength to carry on the day. People serve Khichdi to everyone on the day of Makar Sankranti, this donation is made on a large scale, and everyone is invited to have the food and start their fruitful day. Temples around the country are decorated and seen under graceful elegance. Uttar Pradesh is very popular for this occasion, and the donation of Khichdi is known to be very important during this auspicious day; even Khichdi is cooked in every house. Maharashtra delicately celebrates this occasion, and married women donate cotton, oil, salt, etc., to Suhagin women on their first solstice. In the wonderful state called Tamil Nadu, people celebrate this festival by worshiping Lakshmi Ji; they call the Makar Sankranti as Pongal, which is celebrated for four days, the first day is celebrated by burning garbage, and Lakshmi Ji is worshiped on the second day continuing the third day they worship wealth of animal. 

As Chandra- Krishna and Shukla Paksha are the two parts of the Month. In the same way, there are two parts of the year that depends on the sun, which is Sun Uttarayan and Sun Dakshinayan. When the northern hemisphere of the earth faces the sun, then the sun starts rising from the north. Sun rising from the north is called Uttaryayan or Somaya. This period remains for half of the year. And on the other hand, the rest six months is called Dakshinayan. This is the reason the festival is known as Uttarayan. The period of Uttarayan, which is for six months, starts from Makar Sankranti and ends on Cancer Sankranti. The importance of Makar Sankranti is because the harvest begins from this day of the new season, and new crops are planted. Punjab, UP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu are the main states where farmers celebrate the day of Makar Sankranti of huge importance. The farmers believe the farming process is the blessing of God and Nature. Wheat and paddy are the main crops harvested in the field with the starting of this new season. 

Sesame-jaggery, laddus, and some other healthy dishes might help you to strengthen your immunity and give your body the strength to fight disease. Thus due to a low environmental temperature, these dishes are made and distributed to prevent any kind of disease or weakness. The healthy element present in them gives the required nutrient to our body. Jaggery-sesame, Revdi, Gazak, and other dishes like Ghewar are distributed as prasad during this festival. Khichdi is the most popular food offered on this day in North India. 

Kite Festival

The festival of Makar Sankranti is called by different names in different parts of India as we already know that Khichdi, Pongal, Uttarayan are their different names, though the festival is also widely celebrated as the Kite Festival. The reason it is called so is, during winters sunlight is very important for our body as it provided various benefits and Vitamin D is present in the sun which helps our skin and the rays of sun kill germs. Thus people spend a few hours in the morning flying Kites, especially on this day. Therefore this day is also known as the Kite Festival, which is very good for our body. 

According to Indian mythology, Lord Shri Krishna said in the Gita that the sixth Month of Uttarayan is very prosperous; when Surya Devta faces Uttarayan of Earth, the earth remains lighted. During this period leaving your body in the light prevents the person from reincarnation, and Brahm is attained. This is the reason that Bhishma Pitamah never left his body until the sun passed away. 

Story of Makar Sankranti

As per the writings, legendary Srimad Bhagwad Purana and Devi Purana Shanidev usually had a plum from his father Suryadev since childhood. There was a time when Suryadev did see Shanidev and his mother Chaaya discriminating against his wife and also against Yamraj. Angered by this, he took the drastic decision to remove Chhaya and Shani Dev from his life. Angered by this, Shanidev and his mother Chhaya cursed Suryadev for having Leprosy and left from there. Seeing his father being troubled by Leprosy, Yamraj performed severe penance of Lord Shiva. Then, he got angry and then took the decision to remove Chhaya and Shani Dev from his entire life. Shanidev and Chaaya cursed Suryadev for having Leprosy, and then they left. Just after seeing his father being troubled by Leprosy, Yamraj did perform several penances of Lord Shiva, and then after that, Suryadev was freed from Leprosy. But still, he got angry at Shanidev, and so he went to Shani dev's house and then burnt it to black. After which, Shanidev and even his mother had to suffer a lot. Also, Yamraj was not sad to see his brother Shani and stepmother Chhaya as also he tried his best to help both of them just after which Suryadev was sent to meet him again. Just after that, when Suryadev reached there, he did plan a Puja and worshipped him with black sesame as almost everything in the house was burnt, and only sesame was left with Shani Dev. 

Pleased with the Puja and worship of Lord Shiva, Surya dev did give him a boon and stated that 'every time I come to your first house, i.e., Capricorn, your house would be full of happiness and satisfaction as you would become richer and fulfilled. Just for this particular reason, on this auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun God is worshipped with sesame, and just on the second day, it was consumed. 

Makar Sankranti Puja Method

1. Every individual must take a pure bath in a serene and holy River on the day of Makar Sankranti. Supposedly if you could not take a bath in a holy or pure river, you must put some sesame in Ganges water and take a bath. Along with that, do not forget to clean your clothes as well. 

2. You must take a clean outpost, and then you must sprinkle Ganga water on it and then put a red cloth. After that, you must make a proper 'Ashtadal Lotus' with beautiful red sandalwood on that post. 

3. Just after this, you are supposed to install a picture of the Sun God and take water in a coffin Lotus, and then after some time, you must place it on the outpost.

4. After some time, you are supposed to invoke Suryadev's intactness in his hand and then offer red sandalwood Tilak to Suryadev.

5. After this, you must offer red flowers to them, and along with that, also you must offer 'Naivedya' or red fruit. 

6.You must also offer various other things such as you must focus and then chant the mantras of 'Suryadev' and also recite 'Adityahrdaya Source.'

7. After performing all of these wonderful rituals, you must duly worship them, and then you must take their Aarti with incense and lamp.

8. Then, you must perform all the traditional rituals, and after then, you must offer Ladoos, which are made of sesame and jaggery.

9. Just after offering Bhog, you must offer water of Copper Lotus to almighty Suryadev, and you must also chant the mantra 'Ghurya Surya Nam Mantra.'

10. You must also donate 'khichdi' as this day is considered to be extremely auspicious and pure. You must also donate Khichdi to any poor Person or any Brahmin. 

Mantra of Makar Sankranti

.ॐ घृ‍णिं सूर्य्य: आदित्य:

. ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं सूर्याय सहस्रकिरणाय मनोवांछित फलम् देहि देहि स्वाहा।।

. ॐ ऐहि सूर्य सहस्त्रांशों तेजो राशे जगत्पते, अनुकंपयेमां भक्त्या, गृहाणार्घय दिवाकर:।

. ॐ ह्रीं घृणिः सूर्य आदित्यः क्लीं ॐ ।

. ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं सूर्याय नमः।

Aarti of God Sun

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

tribhuvan - timir - nikandan, bhakt-hrday-chandan.

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

sapt-ashvarath raajit, ek chakradhaaree.

du:khahaaree, sukhakaaree, maanas-mal-haaree.

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

sur - muni - bhoosur - vandit, vimal vibhavashaalee.

agh-dal-dalan divaakar, divy kiran maalee.

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

sakal - sukarm - prasavita, savita shubhakaaree.

vishv-vilochan mochan, bhav-bandhan bhaaree.

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

kamal-samooh vikaasak, naashak tray taapa.

sevat saahaj harat ati manasij-santaapa.

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

netr-vyaadhi har suravar, bhoo-peeda-haaree.

vrshti vimochan santat, parahit vratadhaaree.

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

sooryadev karunaakar, ab karuna keejai.

har agyaan-moh sab, tattvagyaan deejai.

jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan.

Benefits of performing Makar Sankranti Puja

1. This auspicious Puja would definitely escalate your consciousness and enhance your cosmic intelligence to a greater extent. 

2. You would develop strong and higher consciousness. 

3. The spiritual spirit would amazingly enhance and purify your body.

4. In your professional life, you would do better.

5. You will get consecutive good results.

6. Spend some time at the religious and spiritual ceremonies

There are many Gods who are worshipped on this day of Makar Sankranti. Sun God is properly worshipped, and on this day, you must also worship Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, and also Goddess Mahalakshmi, additionally to Suryadev as it is described in details in various authentic and ancient texts.

Makar Sankranti is a beautiful festival to make the planets work favorably by practicing 'Panchashakti.' Bathing, charity, and praying, and you could awake your sleeping fate by effectively worship 'Panchadevas.'

Pilgrimage and Fair

Fairs are held in many cities of the country on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Large fairs are organized, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and South India. On this occasion, lakhs of devotees bathe and donate and do religion on the banks of the Ganges and other sacred rivers.

According to mythological beliefs, Lord Krishna himself has said that the person who renounces the body on Makar Sankranti attains Salvation and is free from the cycle of life and death.

Time of celebrating Makar Sankranti

Due to the chilly weather during 'Paush month,' the body is imbued to many contaminations, which is not known, and your skin also becomes rough and dry in this weather. And so, when the sun is in Uttarayan, sunbeams act as a medication for your body. Flying a kite in this season also helps as the rays of the sun come into direct contact with your body, which helps in killing germs that we are unaware of. This festival looks contrasting in different parts of the country.

Makar Sankranti is also celebrated by other names in different parts of the country. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal, while in Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, it is known as 'Sankranti.' A day before Makar Sankranti, another festival is celebrated known as Lohri in Himachal, Haryana, and Punjab. On this day, in the evening, a fire with sesame, jaggery, rice, and roasted maize is lit and worshipped. This function is enjoyed by sharing peanuts, Gurjak, sesame seeds with everyone. In India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a huge spirit in each other state, but with different terms and rituals.

Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh and the west of Bihar, it is known as Khichdi's festival. Taking a dive in the holy rivers on this day is very auspicious. On this occasion, a whole month of MaghMela(fair) starts in Prayag. Apart from Triveni, holy baths are also held at many places beautiful places like Haridwar and Garh Mukteshwar located in Uttar Pradesh and also in Patna, Bihar.

West Bengal: Almost, every year, a very big fair is arranged on the shore of the Ganges, where it is believed that the guru of sixty thousand ancestors of King Bhagiratha was deserted. A huge number of travelers from across the country cooperate in this fair. Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal, which is celebrated to open the harvesting day of farmers.

Andhra Pradesh: In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is called Sankramana. It is a big festival in Andhra Pradesh. Telegu people popularly call it Penda Panduga, which means big festival. Gujarat: It is known as Uttarayan in Gujarat and Rajasthan. On the day of the festival, a kite flying event takes place in Gujarat, where everyone participates. As it is a huge occasion in Gujarat, there is a 2-day national holiday for everyone.

Bundelkhand: In Bundelkhand, specifically in Madhya Pradesh, the festival of Makar Sankranti is called Sankrant. This festivity is enjoyed with a lot of sweets in Madhya Pradesh and even in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Sikkim.

Maharashtra: Cuisines made of til and jaggery are given to each other on the day of Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra; people say 'til-Gulghaya, Gode god bola' while giving sesame seeds. It is a significant day for women in Maharashtra when married women invite guests with 'Haldi Kumkum' and offer them some utensils.

Kerala: On this day, people perform 40 days of ceremonial, which finishes in Sabarimala.

Orissa: Many tribal people in the country begin their new year on the day of Sankranti. Everyone enjoys and dances hand in hand. Bhuyatribals of Odisha includes their MaghYatra in which the items are made in houses are kept for selling.

Haryana: It is known as Lohri in Punjab and Magahi in Himachal Pradesh. It is of great priority for each and every Punjabi; from this day, all the farmers start garnering their crops and starts worshipping them.

Assam: Magh Bihu is celebrated in the villages of Assam. Kashmir: Makar Sankranti is popularly known as Shishur in Kashmir. There are other names of the Makar Sankranti festival outside the country, and it is popular in other countries as well. In Nepal, it is termed as Maghe Sankranti. In a few other parts, it is called Magahi. In Thailand, it is celebrated and is known as Songkran. In Myanmar, it is famously known as Theognis. In Cambodia, they celebrate under the name of Moha Sangrakaran. In Laos, it is known as P Ma Lao. Although Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names across the globe, the motive behind it is that of peace.

Click to read how Sun transit in Capricorn affects your love & marriage life, business, career and health.

You can read similar write-up on relevance of astrology in indian festivals for all other major Indian Festivals.