Makar Sankranti, celebrated annually to signal the start of harvest season and the Sun’s transit into Capricorn, signals the arrival of warmer days after the bitter cold.

After Makar Sankranti, the days grew longer and lasted about six months. Sankranti, which means the movement of the Sun, is Makar Sankranti. It is the most significant of all the 12 Sankrantis in a calendar year.

Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of a new year, when people buy and dispose of old items in their homes, hoping for prosperity, luck, and success.

The celebrations begin with cleaning houses and an early morning bath, followed by dressing up in traditional clothing. On this day, Lord Indra and Lord Surya are worshipped to ask for blessings on a good harvest and happiness.

Makar Sankranti, a festival of fun and traditional food, includes kite flying and eating khichdi (or dahi-chooda) or khichdi. The festival is celebrated by preparing rice, jaggery, and sugarcane foods.

Other ingredients include sesame seeds or peanuts, maize, and sesame. Gud Ki Chikki (popcorn), Til Kut (khichdi), undhiyu, and gud-kheer are among the traditional foods consumed during the festival.

Harvest Celebrations

Makar Sankranti, or the harvest festival, is another name for this festival. The festival signals the end of winter’s chilly days and heralds the beginning of harvest season. In farming communities, the celebration is even more special since this is when the farmers reap the rewards of their hard work.

Makar Sankranti 2024 date

Makar Sankranti 2024: Makar Sankranti this year falls on 15th January, a day following Lohri. Drik Panchang says that Sankranti is at 2:45 am on 15th January. Punya Kala runs from 7:15 am to 8:07 pm (10 hours and 31 minutes), while Maha Punya Kala goes from 7:15 am to 9:00 am (1 hour and 45 minutes).

Makar Sankranti 2024: Puja Vidhi

Devotees can use a simple puja-vidhi to have a spiritually uplifting celebration. It involves cleaning and decorating the room for puja, placing a statue or picture of the sun god on a clean altar and offering flowers and fruit, reciting prayers or mantras, taking a holy shower, and eating traditional food.

History and Significance of Makar Sankranti in 2024

Makar Sankranti history dates back to ancient India when you consider the importance of agriculture. This period marks the start of the Sun’s northward journey and signals warmer and auspicious days ahead. Hindus take holy baths in rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna at this time. The Kumbh Mela is also held once every 12 years.

According to Hinduism, those who die during the auspicious time of Uttarayan are saved from the cycle between death and rebirth.

Bhishma was mortally injured during the epic battle at Kurukshetra. Thanks to the blessing granted by his dad, he chose the time of his death. He delayed it for a few days and died during the auspicious period of Uttarayan.

Makar Sankranti also marks the birth of ‘Narashansa,’ the first preceptor for righteousness in Kaliyuga and the predecessor of Kalki, Lord Vishnu’s final avatar. Makar Sankranti, known as the Day of Good Over Evil, is celebrated as Lord Vishnu defeats the demon Sankarasura.

Makar Sankranti Celebrations 2024

Makar Sankranti, the festival of Makar Sankranti, is celebrated in many parts of India. The festivities can last up to 2-4 days.

The festival is marked by several rituals that are shared across cultures. These include lighting bonfires, preparing rice and sugarcane dishes, and participating in music and dancing activities.

In Gujarat, Makar-Sankranti is known as Uttarayan, and kite flying is the most important tradition. Kite-flying competitions are held on terraces, and the sky is painted with beautiful and colorful kites.

A bonfire is lit in Punjab to celebrate Lohri and beat the winter cold. Friends and family gather to exchange gifts, eat gajaks and revdi, and sing Sundari Mundari ho.

Pongal is celebrated in South India over four days. People clean their homes and decorate them in beautiful pookalam patterns. They also burn unwanted items in the house as part of the Bhogi Mantalu custom.

Then, they participate in Pongal Panai, where family members cook jaggery, rice, and milk in an earthen pan and let the contents overflow. This ritual represents abundance and prosperity.

Many rituals and celebrations are held nationwide in honor of this beautiful harvest festival, which promises warmer and happier times. 

Popular Food On Makar Sankranti

• Til & Jaggery Delicacies: Makar Sankranti means a delicious array of til-based (sesame seed) and jaggery treats. Til chikkis and melt-in-your-mouth tilladoos are traditional foods.
• Pongal is celebrated in the South: Makar Sankranti, or Pongal, is marked by the states of the South, notably Tamil Nadu. The four-day celebration is devoted to different culinary delights. Pongal, made from newly harvested rice, jaggery, and lentils, is the most crucial dish at this festival.
• Puran Pol: A popular Maharashtra dish associated with Makar Sankranti. This sweet flatbread is filled with a delicious mixture of sweet and crumbly Moong. It is usually served as breakfast. Maharashtrians prepare this dish at Diwali.
• Dal Khichdi: Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated using newly harvested rice (lentils). It is popular because it is a light food that is easily digestible.

Community Feasts

Makar Sankranti marks a period of communal meals and shared meals. Families and groups unite for communal feasts, khichdi, and gajak to strengthen social bonds. Sharing food is a way to celebrate abundance and remind people of the importance of togetherness.

Rituals of Makar Sankranti

• Sacred Dips: One of the most critical aspects of Makar Sankranti is that devotees take ritualistic dips into holy rivers to cleanse themselves of their sins. Pilgrims are flocking to the Ganges and Yamuna rivers and other sacred water bodies in search of “spiritual cleansing.” Immersing yourself in cold water becomes a symbol of devotion.
• Flying Kites: During Makar Sankranti, kite enthusiasts compete fiercely in the sky. This tradition is prevalent in cities such as Ahmedabad and Jaipur, where kites of all colors dance in the sky. This tradition is a way to show off skill and precision, as well as the spirit of competition and celebration.
• Rangoli Artistry: Home comes alive with intricate rangoli designs during Makar Sankranti. The colorful patterns and riotous colors adorn the doors and become a visual celebration of creativity and cultural heritage.
• Folk performance: Dholak beats, traditional dancers’ twirls, and the lively energy of folk performances give Makar Sankranti celebrations a rhythmic feel. Bihu, Lohri, and other regional festivals amplify cultural diversity. 

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