Makar Sankranti, also known by different names such as Makara Sankranti and Maghi, is a harvest festival of India. The day marks termination of the Winter season and celebrates the arrival of harvest season. This year, the festival is being celebrated on January 14.
Significance:
The festival holds more significance in northern India in comparison to the southern part wherein festivals like Pongal and Bihu are celebrated around the same time. On this day, people express gratitude to Surya Devta(Lord Sun) and p prepare delicious dishes and sweets made of jaggery.
Makar Sankranti is a festival dedicated to Sun as on this day, it is said that the Sun marks its entry into the zodiac sign of Makara, hence the festival is known as Makar Sakranti. It is also observed as a specific solar day in the Hindu calendar. From this day, the sun begins its northward movement.
PM Modi extends wishes on Makar Sankranti
On the auspicious occasion, PM Modi also took to Twitter and extended his best wishes to mark the festival.
“Makar Sankranti is marked with enthusiasm in several parts of India. This auspicious festival illustrates India’s diversity and the vibrancy of our traditions. It also reaffirms the importance of respecting Mother Nature,” he said in a tweet.
Makar Sankranti celebrations across the country
Since the wee hours, devotees have gathered in thousands to take holy bath at the ghats of the ganga in Prayagraj, Haridwar and other places. Meanwhile, the Kumbh Mela and the Gangasagar Mela in Haridwar and West Bengal also saw pilgrims flocked in numbers to take the holy dip and offer prayers to the Surya Devta. The management at these places have deployed hundreds of police personnel who are monitoring that the devotees follow covid-19 guidelines.
On the other hand, in some parts of the country, the festival is also celebrated by flying kites.
Makar Sankranti quotes
*Hope this auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti make you reach new heights of happiness. Happy Makar Sankranti!
*Wish you and your family members a very happy Makar Sankranti!
*As the sun starts its northward journey, I hope all your dreams come true.
*May the sun radiate peace, prosperity, and happiness in you’re life on Makar Sankranti and always.
*Makar Sankranti is a new beginning of a new destination, happiness or sorrow. Wish you a happy Makar Sankranti!
