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Makar Sankranti

Happy Makar Sankranti... 🙏


It is also known as Uttarayan and has its own historical and religious significance in India. Let us read more about Makar Sankranti, how is it celebrated, history behind the festival, etc...


Makar Sankranti 2021: 

It is celebrated in 14th January every year and marks the termination of the Winter season and the beginning of a new harvest season.

Makar Sankranti dedicated to Lord Sun. It also refers to a specific solar day in the Hindu calendar. On this auspicious day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makar which marks the end of winter months and the beginning of longer days. This is the beginning of the month of Magh. To recompense for the distinction that happens due to the revolution around the sun, every 80 years the day of Sankranti is deferred by one day. From the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun begins its northward journey or Uttarayan journey. Therefore, this festival is also known as Uttarayan.


History of Makar Sankranti:

Sankranti is deemed a Deity. As per the legend, Sankranti killed a devil named Sankarasur. The day next to Makar Sankrant is called Karidin or Kinkrant. On this day, Devi slew the devil Kinkarasur. The information of Makar Sankranti is available in Panchang. The Panchang is the Hindu Almanac that provides information on the age, form, clothing, direction, and movement of Sankranti.


According to the Drik-Panchaang, "The time between Makar Sankranti and 40 Ghatis (roughly 16 hours for Indian locations if we consider 1 Ghati duration as 24 minutes) from the time of Makar Sankranti is considered good for auspicious work. This duration of forty Ghatis is known as Punya Kaal. Sankranti activities, like taking bath, offering Naivedhya (food offered to deity) to Lord Surya, offering charity or Dakshina, performing Shraddha rituals, and breaking fast or Parana, should be done during Punya Kaal. If Makar Sankranti happens after Sunset then all Punya Kaal activities are postponed till the next Sunrise. Therefore, all Punya Kaal activities should be done in the day time."


In Different Regions Of The Country, Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated By Different Names:

1. Uttarayan / Kite Festival: 

In Gujarat, the kite festival is organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan.

2. Lohri:


One day before Makar Sankranti, Lohri is celebrated in India with enthusiasm mainly in Haryana and Punjab. At night, people gather around the bonfire and throw til, puffed rice & popcorns into the flames of the bonfire. Prayers are offered to the bonfire seeking abundance & prosperity.

3. Pongal: 


On the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated as Pongal for four days.

4. "Festival of Donation" or "Khichdi": 

In Uttar Pradesh,

it is mainly the festival of 'Donation'. The Magh fair, which continues for one month on the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Allahabad, starts from the day of Makar Sankranti only. On this auspicious day, people do fast in Uttar Pradesh eat and offer khichdi. Also, Khichdi Mela is organized at Gorakhdham in Gorakhpur.

5. In Bihar, the Makar Sankranti festival is known as Khichdi. On this day, donating urad, rice, gold, woollen clothes, blankets, etc. have their own importance.

6. In Maharashtra, all married women donate cotton, oil, and salt to other suhagin or married women on their first Sankrant.

7. In Bengal, there is a tradition of donating til after taking bath on Makar Sankrant. A huge fair is also organised every year in Gangasagar.


Therefore, in India, the Makar Sankranti festival has its own importance. It is celebrated in various States by different names.  

Enjoy this Makar Sankranti to its best and spread the sweetness of love with til ke laddu, rewri, moongfali, and popcorn. Happy Makar Sankranti...-✍️Sandeep Panchal.


More Articles by Sandeep Panchal...

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Farmers protest in Punjab


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