Makar Sankranti 2024, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated across India on January 15, 2024, marking the commencement of the harvest season. This festival, also referred to as the harvest festival, symbolizes bidding adieu to winter’s chill.
Uttarayan, a term used to describe the event, highlights the lengthening of days as the Sun moves northward, signifying auspiciousness. Makar Sankranti is observed based on the lunar calendar, consistently falling on nearly the same day each year.
Makar Sankranti 2024
Makar Sankranti 2024 is an annual celebration that symbolizes the start of the harvest season and the sun’s shift into Capricorn, marking the onset of warmer days and the end of chilly weather. Following Makar Sankranti, the days gradually become longer, extending over the next six months in a phase known as Uttarayan.
Among the 12 Sankranti occurring each year, Makar Sankranti holds the utmost significance as it signifies the sun’s movement.
The joyous harvest festival is celebrated with fervor throughout India, marked by various rituals and names depending on the region. Known as Pousha Sankranti in West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Lohri in Punjab, among others, the festivities unite the country.
Makar Sankranti signifies a time for letting go of the old and welcoming the new, symbolizing a year filled with success, good fortune, and prosperity. The celebrations commence with thorough house cleaning, an early morning bath, and adorning traditional attire. Both Lord Indra, the God of rains, and Lord Surya are worshipped to seek blessings for a bountiful harvest and happiness in the upcoming year.
The day is packed with enjoyable activities, including kite-flying and indulging in traditional foods like khichdi and dahi-chooda. Makar Sankranti’s culinary delights feature dishes made from rice, jaggery, sugarcane, sesame seeds, maize, and peanuts. Gud Ki Chikki, popcorn, Til Kut, khichdi, undhiyu, and gud kheer are some of the traditional treats enjoyed during this festive occasion.
Other Important Days in January 2024
Makar Sankranti 2024 Date and Time
Makar Sankranti 2024 is set to be celebrated on January 15, marking an auspicious occasion. The significant time for the festivities spans from 7:15 am to 5:46 pm. Specifically, the highly favorable period known as Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala is observed from 7:15 am to 9:25 am.
Makar Sankranti 2024 History and Significance
Makar Sankranti has a rich historical background, tracing its roots to ancient times, emphasizing the significance of agriculture in the country. This period marks the sun’s journey towards the north, symbolizing warmer and auspicious times ahead. Hindus participate in the tradition of taking a holy dip in rivers like Ganga and Yamuna, and every 12 years, the grand Kumbh Mela is organized.
In Hindu belief, it is thought that those who pass away during the auspicious Uttarayan period attain salvation from the cycle of death and rebirth. Bhishma Pitamah, wounded in the epic battle of Kurukshetra, strategically chose the moment of his death due to a boon from his father, delaying his last moments on earth to coincide with the Uttarayan period.
Makar Sankranti 2024 is also linked to the birth of the deity ‘Narashansa,’ the first preceptor of righteousness in Kaliyuga and a precursor to Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu. Additionally, the festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, commemorating Lord Vishnu’s victory over the demon Sankarasura on this auspicious day.
Makar Sankranti 2024 Celebrations
Makar Sankranti is a joyous festival celebrated for 2-4 days in various parts of the country. The festivities include lighting bonfires, preparing delicious rice and sugarcane dishes, and engaging in music and dance activities. These rituals are shared among many cultures.
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti, known as Uttarayan, is famous for its tradition of kite-flying. People gather on terraces for exciting kite-flying contests, creating a mesmerizing sky adorned with vibrant kites.
In Punjab, Lohri celebrations involve lighting bonfires to combat the cold. The warmth of these festivities extends as friends and family exchange gifts, savor gajaks, peanuts, revdi, and popcorn, all while singing traditional folk songs like Sundari Mundari Ho.
South India celebrates Pongal over four days. The custom of Bhogi Mantalu involves cleaning and decorating homes, followed by burning unwanted items in bonfires. Families then engage in Pongal Panai, cooking rice, milk, and jaggery in an earthen pot until it overflows, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
Throughout the country, diverse rituals and celebrations mark this harvest festival, promising brighter and happier days ahead.
Also Read: Lohri 2024, Check Correct Date Here, History, and Significance
Makar Sankranti 2024 FAQs
Q.1. When is Makar Sankranti 2024 celebrated?
Ans. Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 15, 2024, marking the start of the harvest season.
Q.2. What are the significant activities during Makar Sankranti?
Ans. Festivities include kite-flying, bonfires, traditional food indulgence, and cultural rituals shared across India.
Q.3. Why is Makar Sankranti considered auspicious?
Ans. It symbolizes the sun’s shift into Capricorn, promising warmer days and the triumph of good over evil.
Q.4. What are the traditional dishes enjoyed during Makar Sankranti?
Ans. Delight in festive treats like Gud Ki Chikki, popcorn, Til Kut, khichdi, undhiyu, and gud kheer made from rice, jaggery, and more.
Q.5. What is the historical significance of Makar Sankranti?
Ans. Trace its roots to ancient times, emphasizing agriculture, with rituals like holy dips, Kumbh Mela, and links to Hindu mythology.
