Makar Sankranti, a major Hindu festival, is celebrated nationwide with fervor and enthusiasm. This auspicious occasion, signifying the movement of Lord Surya from Sagittarius to Capricorn, holds great religious significance. In 2024, Makar Sankranti falls on January 15.
When to Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2024? Date and Timings
Makar Sankranti will be celebrated across India on January 15, 2024, as the Sun transitions from Sagittarius to Capricorn. Key timings for the day are as follows:
- Punya Kala: January 15, 2024 – 06:24 AM to 05:28 PM
- Maha Punya Kala: January 15, 2024 – 06:24 AM to 08:15 AM
- Makara Sankranti Moment: January 15, 2024 – 02:54 AM
Makar Sankranti 2024: Significance and Festive Anticipation
Makar Sankranti, celebrated with immense happiness, is a day dedicated to worshiping Lord Surya. The festival is marked by various rituals and traditions, each city putting its unique spin on the celebrations.
Celebrations Across India: Diverse Traditions
Maharashtra: Tilgudi Til Laddoos
In Maharashtra, the festivities involve making Tilgudi Til Laddoos, shared among friends and family. The traditional greeting, ‘Til gul ghya god god bola,’ reflects the joy of giving and receiving.
Gujarat: Uttarayan and Kite Flying
Gujarat observes Makar Sankranti as Uttarayan, marked by making candies and engaging in vibrant kite-flying traditions.
Uttar Pradesh: Khichdi Celebration
Known as Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh, the celebration includes preparing a special meal, Khichdi, first offered to the Lord and then shared with the family.
Punjab: Maghi and Lohri
Punjabi communities celebrate Maghi, a day before Makar Sankranti known as Lohri, with singing and dancing around bonfires.
Tamil Nadu: Pongal Festival
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the Pongal festival. Bonfires, known as Bhagi, are lit on the eve of Pongal, marking a four-day celebration.
West Bengal: Gangasagar Immersion
People in West Bengal commemorate Makar Sankranti by immersing themselves in Gangasagar water, with the Gangasagar Mela extending until the festival day.
Makar Sankranti 2024: Puja Rituals
- Early Morning Start: Devotees wake up early during Brahma Muhurat.
- Sacred Bath: Taking a holy dip in the Ganga river is a revered tradition.
- Arghya Offering: Devotees offer Arghya (water) to Lord Surya, chanting Mantras.
- Gratitude Expressions: Devotees show gratitude to Lord Surya for blessings.
- Charity and Donations: Acts of charity and donations are considered meritorious.
- Warmth Distribution: People distribute warm clothes, Gajjak, and Sesame seeds (Til) to Brahmins.
- Hawan and Yajna: Performing Hawan and Yajna on this day is considered rewarding.
Surya Dev Mantras Based on Zodiac Signs
- Aries: ‘Om Achintaya Namah’
- Taurus: ‘Om Arunaya Namah’
- Gemini: ‘Om Adibhutay Namah’
- Cancer: ‘Om Vasupradaya Namah’
- Leo: ‘Om Bhanve Namah’
- Virgo: ‘Om Shantay Namah’
- Libra: ‘Om Indray Namah’
- Scorpio: ‘Om Adityaya Namah’
- Sagittarius: ‘Om Sharvaya Namah’
- Capricorn: ‘Om Sahastra Kiranay Namah’
- Aquarius: ‘Om Brahmane Diwakar Namah’
- Pisces: ‘Om Jayene Namah’
Makar Sankranti 2024 brings together diverse celebrations and customs, uniting people across the country in joyous reverence for the divine transition.
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