ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

Sankranti Vrat

There are 12 Sankranti

In Hindu calendar there are total twelve Sankranti in a year. All twelve Sankranti can be divided into four categories.

‪1. Ayan‬ Sankranti
‪2. Vishuva‬ Sankranti
‪3. Vishnupadi‬ Sankranti
‪4. Shadshitimukhi‬ Sankranti

Among all Sankranti, Makar Sankranti is the most significant one and it is observed throughout India. Sankranti days are considered good for charity activities and all auspicious ceremonies are avoided on the day of Sankranti(s)

Sankranti-

January (Friday) Pongal, Makar Sankranti
February (Saturday) Kumbha Sankranti
March (Monday) Meena Sankranti
April (Wednesday) Solar New Year, Mesha Sankranti
May (Saturday) Vrishabha Sankranti
June (Tuesday) Mithuna Sankranti
July (Saturday) Karka Sankranti
August (Tuesday) Simha Sankranti
September (Friday) Kanya Sankranti, Vishwakarma Puja
October (Monday) Tula Sankranti
November (Wednesday) Vrischika Sankranti
December (Thursday) Dhanu Sankranti.

1. Ayan Sankranti / Ayani Sankranti

Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti are two Ayan (अयन) Sankranti which are also known as Uttarayana Sankranti and Dakshinayana Sankranti respectively. These are conceptually equivalent to Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice in Hindu calendar and these Ayani Sankranti(s) are drifting apart from seasonal Solstices due to precession of the Earth. After thousands of years these Ayani Sankranti(s) will coincide again with seasonal Solstices.

Astrology which considers precession of the Earth is known as Sidereal Astrology and Hindu calendar is based on Sidereal Astrology. Sidereal astrology is also known as Nirayana (निर्णय)Astrology. The counterpart of Sidereal astrology is known as Tropical or Sayana (सयाना)Astrology which is followed by most Western Astrologers. Precession is also known asAyanamsha (अयन-अंश).

Uttarayana (उत्तरायण) is six month time period when the Sun moves into Northern hemisphere and Dakshinayana (दक्षिणायण) is remaining six month time period when the Sun moves into Southern hemisphere. Due to precession of the Earth these definitions of Ayan Sankranti(s) have become incorrect.

The Sun God, also known as Surya Dev, starts moving into Northern hemisphere about 24 days before Makara Sankranti. Currently Makara Sankranti occurs on 14th or 15th January while Winter Solstice, the movement of the Sun from Southern to Northern hemisphere, starts on 21st or 22nd December.

Vedic Astrologer and Panchang Karta (कर्ता) are aware of this fact and don’t do any correction as precession has to be considered to mark the correct position of Stars.

Correct positioning of Stars is foundation of Hindu calendar and any likely correction will invalidate whole concept of Sidereal Astrology. During Makara Sankranti the Sun God coincides with same Stars in the background which was the original (and is still) concept to mark the day of Makara Sankranti. During Winter Solstice, the Sun doesn’t coincide with same Stars in the background which is must to mark the day of Makara Sankranti. Hence Hindu calendar doesn’t respect seasons and let them drift but maintain the same position of the Sun (with respect to Stars in the background) to mark the day of all Sankranti(s) including Makara Sankranti.

According to above explanation, Hindus still celebrate Makara Sankranti on right day however the word Uttarayana has become misnomer with time and most Indians have accepted this fact by ignoring Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice for any religious activities.

Similarly Dakshinayana when the Sun God starts moving into Southern hemisphere falls on 21stor 22nd June about 24 days before Karka Sankranti. Karka Sankranti currently occurs on 15thor 16th July which has drifted apart from Summer Solstice by 24 days.

For Ayan Sankranti auspicious time period is well written in religious texts. For Makara Sankranti 40 Ghati(s) after Sankranti and for Karka Sankranti 30 Ghati(s) before Sankranti is auspicious for doing all rituals related to Sankranti.

Uttarayana in Hindu Puranas

Uttarayana is referred to as the day of new good healthy wealthy beginning.

According to Kauravas and Pandavas, in Mahabharata on this day Bheeshma Pitamaha, chose to leave for his heavenly abode. As per the boon granted to Devavrata (young Bheeshma), he could choose his time of death and he chose this day, when the sun starts on its course towards the northern hemisphere.

According to Hindu tradition the six months of Uttarayana are a single day of the Gods; the six months of Dakshinayana are a single night of the Gods. Thus a year of twelve months is single Nychthemeron of the Gods.

2. Vishuva (विषुव) or Sampat(सम्पात) Sankranti

Mesha Sankranti and Tula Sankranti are two Vishuva Sankranti which are also known asVasant Sampat and Sharad Sampat respectively. These are conceptually equivalent toVernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox in Hindu calendar and these Vishuva Sankranti(s) are drifting apart from seasonal Equinoxes due to precession of the Earth. After thousands of years these Vishuva Sankranti(s) will coincide again with seasonal Equinoxes. For these two Sankranti(s) fifteen Ghati(s) before and after Sankranti moments are considered for auspicious activities.

3. Vishnupadi (विष्णुपदी) Sankranti

Simha Sankranti, Kumbha Sankranti, Vrishabha Sankranti and Vrischika Sankranti are four Vishnupadi Sankranti. For all these four Sankranti(s) sixteen Ghati(s) before Sankranti moments are considered for auspicious activities.

4. Shadshitimukhi (षड्शिती मुखी) Sankranti

Meena Sankranti, Kanya Sankranti, Mithuna Sankranti and Dhanu Sankranti are four Shadshit-mukhi Sankranti. For all these four Sankranti(s) sixteen Ghati(s) after Sankranti moments are considered for auspicious activities.

Across the country, people celebrate Makar Sankranti every year with great pomp. Unlike most Hindu festivals, which depend on the Moon’s changing position and the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti 2023 date and timing also depend on the solar calendar. Every year, Makar Sankranti marks the movement of the Sun in Makar Rashi or Capricorn zodiac sign. In fact, the literal meaning of the word ‘Sankranti’ is ‘movement’. Hence, such a name.

Also, on the day of the Makar Sankranti festival, the day-night duration is equal. Also, this festival officially marks the beginning of spring or the Indian summer. After this day, the Sun stays up a little longer than on previous days, making the days longer than the nights. Along with this, the festival of Makar Sankranti has great importance in Indian culture. Being a solar phenomenon too, it falls on the same date every year in the Gregorian calendar. In different parts of the country, people know it by different names. It is Pedda Panduga in Andhara Pradesh, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magha Bihu in Assam, Uttarayana in Gujrat, and much more.

Makar Sankranti in Hinduism

The festival has immense religious and cultural significance. According to the Puranas, the festival symbolizes the healthy bond between a father and a son. Also, according to popular beliefs, Makar Sankranti celebrates the victory of Lord Vishnu over the Asuras. The legend further narrates how Lord Vishnu ends the menace caused by the Asuras on the earth by cutting off their heads and burying them under Mount Mandara. Hence, it symbolizes the victory of Dharma over Adharma.

The mythological tale related to Makar Sankranti

There are many types of Sankranti, out of which two are major. One is known as Makar Sankranti, and the other is known as Kark Sankranti. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of a promising phase in the year. The festival of Makar Sankranti dedicates to the Sun God, a symbolic representation of divinity, wisdom, and life. Moreover, it brings out the best in you. May the grace of the Sun remove all the obstacles you face and propel you forward in your career.

In some places, it is Pongal, and in some, it is Uttrayana. Here are different versions of Makar Sankranti, which the nation celebrates with joy and happiness.

Thai Pongal/Pongal

Thai Pongal, celebrated in Tamil Nadu, is a four-day festival to pay homage to Lord Indra. The festival is a means of thanking Lord Indra for bountiful rains. Hence fertile land and good harvest. The Thai Pongal 2023 celebration is incomplete without making offerings to Lord Surya and Lord Indra.

On the second day of Thai Pongal, freshly cooked rice is boiled in milk and served in an earthen pot to the Sun God. On the third day, Mattu Pongal, cattle get decorated with bells, garlands of flowers, beads, and paint to honor ‘Basava’ – the bull of Lord Shiva. Speaking of the fourth day after Pongal, Kaanum Pongal is the occasion in which all the women of the house come together to perform various rituals.

Uttarayan

It is another name on this list. Uttarayan is specially celebrated in Gujarat to celebrate the harvest season. Vasi Uttarayan is celebrated on the next day of Uttarayan 2023. It is marked by flying kites, eating jaggery, and peanut chikki. Undhiyu is a spice and roasted vegetable dish made on the occasion of Uttarayan.

Lohri

The next name is Lohri, a harvest festival of Punjab celebrated on January 13. It is known for the bonfires, lit in the evening. People present offerings like peanuts, sesame seeds, gajak, jaggery, and popcorn. As a part of the puja ritual, folks offer these food items to the sacred fire before being eaten.

Magh/Bhogali Bihu

This list also includes Magh or Bhogali Bihu, a week-long harvest festival of Assam. It falls on January 13 and lasts for about a week. The festivities of this festival include a bonfire and a feast of rice cakes called ‘shunga pitha’, ’til pitha’, and coconut sweets called laru. The people of this place also indulge in sports like ‘tekli bhonga,’ which involves breaking utensils and buffalo fights.

Onam

It is a ten-day-long festival to honor the annual journey of the demon Mahabali from Patal Lok to Prithvi Lok to meet his kin. Asura Mahabali is one of the most benevolent and influential kings that humanity has ever seen. Tableaux and processions showcasing the culture of Kerala are also at this festival. During this period, the people of the state and culture engage in traditional dance. The most famous activity during Onam is the boat race, which puts on the most spectacular performances during this period.

Makar Sankaranti?

On Makar Sankranti, it is customary to eat ’til-jaggery’ and enjoy a joyous kite flying. People eat til-gur or sesame and jaggery in the form of laddoos or chikki. On this day, natives move forward with a positive attitude towards others, leaving behind the past of unpleasant relationships and sour-sweet memories. Also, on Makar Sankranti, people consume sweets to bring sweetness to their speech and behavior, which helps them to reduce enmity and praise the love and happiness around them.

Sweets are also distributed on this festival to celebrate the journey of Lord Surya to meet his son, Lord Shani, keeping away the wrath of Lord Surya. Similarly, kite flying on Makar Sankranti also has its importance. In earlier days, kite flying was usually done in the morning, just after sunrise, when the Sun rays were not unbearable.

The weather is usually quite cold during Makar Sankranti, so basking in the Sun for a bit while indulging in a joyous session of kite flying would be a good way to stay warm and stay away from infections and harmful bacteria.

What rituals to follow on Makar Sankranti

Start your day by cleaning the house, especially the prayer place.
Take bath and get ready for Puja for Makar Sankranti.
While praying, you should apply tilak of rice flour and tie a roll on your hand.
In a thali, you can keep ghevar, til laddu, and any other offering you are willing to donate.
Also, sprinkle rice on the donated items.
Plus, worship the Sun God by lighting a lamp and chanting the Surya Mantra 12 times.
Moreover, donate the cooked Prasad to the needy.
Kite flying festival on Makar Sankranti
It is also the festival of kites, where people gather on their rooftops since early morning. They compete with other kites to cut their thread (Manja). Many cities also host local and international kite festivals.

The celebration varies from state to state and region to region. The celebrations are varied, the dishes prepared are different, and the ways of celebrating the festival are varied, yet the spirit and enthusiasm among the people remain the same. Such is the beauty and wonder of this festival associated with our most beloved Sun God.

Astrological significance behind Sankranti

Makar Sankranti has great importance both from the point of view of astrology. Sun and Saturn have been called enemy planets. However, on this day, Sun enters the house of Shani (lord of Capricorn). It stays in this zodiac sign for a month. During this phase, it forgets its anger towards the planet Saturn, thus showing the importance of relationships. Relationships depend on how your planets align with your partner’s planets.

Moreover, Makar Sankranti also has a divine significance. This period is of the utmost importance for sages and yogis in their spiritual and long time, which is a new beginning. In general, natives consider making a fresh start and letting go of terrible memories and ties from the past. Many aspects of a Yogi’s life depend on the divine bond between the human and the cosmic system. The life of a Yogi develops keeping in mind the universe and all the activities of human life.

Significance of harvesting on Makar Sankranti

In many parts of India, people celebrate this event to acknowledge the fresh harvest of the season. Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the next day of Makar Sankranti to appreciate the hard work and labor the farm owners put in for a successful harvest. In remote villages, when farmers sow the next crop, it is considered a part of the meeting. There are many harvest festivals in India, and Makar Sankranti is the oldest of them all.

Astrological Remedies to perform on Makar Sankranti in

The day of Makar Sankranti holds great importance in Hinduism. Donating stuff on this day fulfills all the wishes of a person’s life. Moreover, it is also beneficial for achieving happiness, peace, and economic prosperity. So let’s know about those simple and surefire measures by which you can make your life happy.

Put sesame seeds in the water before taking a bath on the day of Makar Sankranti. Bathing with sesame water is considered very auspicious. Also, by doing this, one gets freedom from diseases.
With that, if a person is ill, he must apply sesame paste on the day of Makar Sankranti. After this, he should take a bath. It helps in attaining good health.
After taking a bath on the day of Makar Sankranti, put some sesame seeds in the water and offer them to Lord Sun. It helps to enlighten thoughts and focus on achievements.
By donating blankets, warm clothes, ghee, sesame, etc., one’s past mistakes shall remove, and the person attains happiness and prosperity.
Keep the Surya Yantra at home and if the Sun is in a debilitated state in the horoscope, then chant the Surya Mantra 501 times. It shall help you remove the malefic impacts of the Sun in your horoscope on Makar Sankranti.
On this day, to get the blessings of Lord Surya, one should eat rice mixed with jaggery and milk. Apart from this, they can flow raw rice and jaggery into the water stream to please Lord Surya.
Also, to reduce the inauspiciousness of Lord Sun in the horoscope, throw a copper coin or a piece of the square copper coin in the stream of water.

What to donate on Makar Sankranti as per your zodiac sign?

Aries: Donate mosquito nets and sesame seeds. It helps in the fulfillment of wishes as soon as possible.

Taurus: Donate woolen clothes and sesame seeds. This time will prove to be fruitful for the natives of this zodiac.

Gemini: Natives should donate mosquito nets. It will prove beneficial for them.

Cancer: The people of this zodiac can donate sesame, soap, and woolen clothes. It will give them positive results.

Leo: Donate mole, blanket, and mosquito net.

Virgo: Donate sesame, blanket, oil, and urad dal.

Libra: People of this zodiac should donate oil, cotton, clothes, and mosquito nets according to their financial capacity. It will prove fruitful for them.

Scorpio: Donate rice and lentil porridge to the needy.

Sagittarius: The people of this zodiac can donate sesame seeds and gram pulses. It will prove beneficial for them.

Capricorn: Capricorn men and women must donate oil, sesame, woolen clothes, blankets, and books on Makar Sankranti in . By doing this remedy, all the wishes in life will fulfill.

Aquarius: According to your financial capacity, donate oil, clothes, soap, etc., to the needy. It will help you to favour your destiny.

Pisces: You can donate sesame, grams, a blanket, and a mosquito net. It will help you to get rid of all the sins of life and get happening results.

What type of fast to observe

Start your fast by taking a bath in the morning and end the fast with a light breakfast the following day.
If you are fasting for the first time, keep yourself calm and stress-free. Take some rest in the afternoon.
There are many ways of fasting, like complete, partial, water, fruit, etc. The important thing is that you fast in some way or the other and do it according to your limit. It would be best if you fasted in the same way that you can. But you should not fast to the extent that you feel sick.
Begin with a partial fast of fruits and water between sunrise and sunset, after which you can have your regular meal.

Vrat Benefits of fasting

When you fast, your body is cleansed of toxins, leading to inner purity.
Food is a basic need of living beings. But most of us have access to food, and we do not appreciate its value in our lives. But when you fast, you realise the importance of food through hunger.
Some people in you are surprised when the feeling of hunger inside you is not satisfied. But when you break your fast, you feel comfortable, and a sense of deep gratitude comes to mind.
During fasting, we do penance and avoid many temptations to come.
We should use the day of fasting for self-assessment or inner exploration through meditation and chanting.

About 12 Sankranti in Hindu Calendar

In Hindu calendar there are total twelve Sankranti in a year. All twelve Sankranti can be divided into four categories.

Ayan Sankranti / Ayani Sankranti Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti are two Ayan (अयन) Sankranti which are also known as Uttarayana Sankranti and Dakshinayana Sankranti respectively. These are conceptually equivalent to Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice in Hindu calendar and these Ayani Sankranti(s) are drifting apart from seasonal Solstices due to precession of the Earth. After thousands of years these Ayani Sankranti(s) will coincide again with seasonal Solstices.Astrology which considers precession of the Earth is known as Sidereal Astrology and Hindu calendar is based on Sidereal Astrology. Sidereal astrology is also known as Nirayana (निर्णय) Astrology. The counterpart of Sidereal astrology is known as Tropical or Sayana (सयाना) Astrology which is followed by most Western Astrologers. Precession is also known as Ayanamsha (अयन-अंश).Uttarayana (उत्तरायण) is six month time period when the Sun moves into Northern hemisphere and Dakshinayana (दक्षिणायण) is remaining six month time period when the Sun moves into Southern hemisphere. Due to precession of the Earth these definitions of Ayan Sankranti(s) have become incorrect.The Sun God, also known as Surya Dev, starts moving into Northern hemisphere about 24 days before Makara Sankranti. Currently Makara Sankranti occurs on 14^th or 15^th January while Winter Solstice, the movement of the Sun from Southern to Northern hemisphere, starts on 21^st or 22^nd December.Vedic Astrologer and Panchang Karta (कर्ता) are aware of this fact and don’t do any correction as precession has to be considered to mark the correct position of Stars.Correct positioning of Stars is foundation of Hindu calendar and any likely correction will invalidate whole concept of Sidereal Astrology. During Makara Sankranti the Sun God coincides with same Stars in the background which was the original (and is still) concept to mark the day of Makara Sankranti. During Winter Solstice, the Sun doesn’t coincide with same Stars in the background which is must to mark the day of Makara Sankranti. Hence Hindu calendar doesn’t respect seasons and let them drift but maintain the same position of the Sun (with respect to Stars in the background) to mark the day of all Sankranti(s) including Makara Sankranti.According to above explanation, Hindus still celebrate Makara Sankranti on right day however the word Uttarayana has become misnomer with time and most Indians have accepted this fact by ignoring Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice for any religious activities.Similarly Dakshinayana when the Sun God starts moving into Southern hemisphere falls on 21^st or 22^nd June about 24 days before Karka Sankranti. Karka Sankranti currently occurs on 15^th or 16^th July which has drifted apart from Summer Solstice by 24 days.For Ayan Sankranti auspicious time period is well written in religious texts. For Makara Sankranti 40 Ghati(s) after Sankranti and for Karka Sankranti 30 Ghati(s) before Sankranti is auspicious for doing all rituals related to Sankranti.
Vishuva (विषुव) or Sampat(सम्पात) SankrantiMesha Sankranti and Tula Sankranti are two Vishuva Sankranti which are also known as Vasant Sampat and Sharad Sampat respectively. These are conceptually equivalent to Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox in Hindu calendar and these Vishuva Sankranti(s) are drifting apart from seasonal Equinoxes due to precession of the Earth. After thousands of years these Vishuva Sankranti(s) will coincide again with seasonal Equinoxes.For these two Sankranti(s) fifteen Ghati(s) before and after Sankranti moments are considered for auspicious activities.
Vishnupadi (विष्णुपदी) SankrantiSimha Sankranti, Kumbha Sankranti, Vrishabha Sankranti and Vrischika Sankranti are four Vishnupadi Sankranti. For all these four Sankranti(s) sixteen Ghati(s) before Sankranti moments are considered for auspicious activities.
Shadshitimukhi (षड्शिती मुखी) SankrantiMeena Sankranti, Kanya Sankranti, Mithuna Sankranti and Dhanu Sankranti are four Shadshit-mukhi Sankranti. For all these four Sankranti(s) sixteen Ghati(s) after Sankranti moments are considered for auspicious activities.

Makar Sankranti is an Indian festival celebrated by several states of India around mid-January. Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal at the same time while Punjab celebrates Lohri at this time. While this is when all the different states celebrate their harvest festivals, true to India’s diverse traditions, each one has its own customs and practices.

Origin and significance of Makar Sankranti: Why Makar Sankranti is celebrated
‘Makara’ means ‘Capricorn’. The movement of the sun into ‘Makara Raashi’ or the ‘zodiac of Capricorn’ is called Makar Sankranti.

This festival marks the end of the long, cold, winter months and the onset of spring. In ancient times, it was the time when the shift of the sun resulted in longer days. So, it is a celebration of the change of seasons – from a harsher to a milder climate. A sign of hope and positivity.
This festival is celebrated in honor of Surya (the Sun God) to pay tribute for the grace of his energy that has enabled life and food on earth.
As it is the harvest festival, it is a time of joy, abundance, and celebration in the farming communities, the time when they reap the fruits of their hard labor.
It is also a time for peace when families bury the hatchet and get together.

Since Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different states, there are different traditions in each state. Let’s explore the traditions of five states across India.

Maharashtra
Makar Sankranti is celebrated over three days in Maharashtra. People clean their houses, wear new clothes, and invite family and friends to visit them.

Day 1: Bhogi – Maharashtrians pray to the Sun God on this day; they also fly colorful kites together.

Day 2: Married women exchange haldi-kumkum (turmeric powder and vermillion), applying it on each other’s foreheads. They also exchange gifts.

Day 3: Kinkrant – This is the day Devi defeated a demon called Kinkarasur.

You might have heard Maharashtrians say this during Makar Sankranti:

‘Tilgul ghya goad bola’ – in literal translation, it means, ‘Take sweet, talk sweet, be sweet.’

This famous Marathi phrase means, ‘Take this sweet made of til (sesame seeds) and gul/gud (jaggery) and speak sweetly.’ It implies that we should give up our grudges and live harmoniously together. It is a time for forgiveness and togetherness. So, even if there are differences, the festival is a good time to forgive, forget, and move on.

Makar Sankranti food items: Multi-colored halwa, pooran poli (flat bread stuffed with jaggery and gram flour in it, served with pure ghee), and til-gul laddoo (sesame seed and jaggery balls) are the special delicacies prepared on this festival day.

Goa
Makar Sankranti is known as Sankrant in Goa.

Women pray to Goddess Lakshmi Maa (Goddess of Wealth), and observe a 12-day haldi-kumkum (turmeric powder and vermillion) festival, where they apply these sacred powders on each other’s foreheads. They also put flowers on each other’s heads and exchange gifts – usually household items.
Five leaf plates are offered to God with rice, chana dal (Bengal gram), jaggery, and coconut – one each for the deity and family, two for the crows (believed to be our ancestors); the last one is shown to all the corners of the house to ward off evil spirits. Only the one meant for the family is eaten. The ones meant for the deity and the corners are disposed of.
This festival ends on Ratha Saptami – the day the temple deity is taken around the village in a rath (chariot). In the end, married women give coconuts, rice, and flowers to the temple.
Newlywed women offer five clay pots filled with newly-harvested food grains to the temple deity. These pots have black-beaded threads tied around them
Here, people distribute sugar-coated til sweets. Like their Maharashtrian and Kannadiga counterparts, Goans wish each other, ‘Til gull gheiat, godd uloiat’ meaning, ‘Eat sesame sweets and jaggery, and sweeten your talk.’
Makar Sankranti food items: Delicacies with rice, chana dal (Bengal gram), jaggery, and coconut are prepared on these festival days.

Karnataka
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Karnataka with great joy and enthusiasm.

People clean their houses, decorate the entrance with mango leaves and rangolis (decorative designs made with rice flour), and wear new clothes.
They exchange ellu-bella (sesame seeds and jaggery) sweets, fried groundnuts, pieces of coconut, sugarcane, and banana, offer haldi and kumkum, and wish each other.
Kannadigas also wish their near and dear ones the same way their Marathi neighbors do: ‘Ellu Bella tindhu olle mathadu’. It means, ‘Eat the ellu (sesame seeds) and bella (jaggery) sweet, and speak sweet words.’
Some newlywed women follow a five-year ritual where they give away bananas to other married women. They have to increase the number of bananas they give away each year in multiples of five.
People also decorate cows and bulls colorfully with beautiful costumes.
Some communities fly kites as well.
Makar Sankranti food items: Ellu bella (sesame seed and jaggery balls), sweet pongal, payasa (sweet pudding), lemon rice and vadas are part of the sumptuous feast cooked on this day.

It is a wonderful occasion to meet family and friends.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Makar Sankranti is celebrated over four days in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

People wear new clothes, thank the Sun God for the year’s harvest, and prepare elaborate feasts on this occasion.
Elaborate rangoli or muggu or decorative designs are drawn in front of houses with chalk or flour. These are further decorated with flowers and cow dung (particularly in villages).
Cockfights and bullfights were common sports of this season though they have now been banned.
Day 1: Bhogi Panduga – On this day, people burn old and unrequired articles in a bonfire that they light with old wood and furniture. The idea is to start afresh, ushering in the new.

Day 2: Pedda Panduga – This is the main festival day. People arrange feasts for guests and pay respects to ancestors.

Day 3: Kanuma Panduga – On this day, farmers honor and worship cattle, especially the cow. Girls of the community lovingly decorate and feed them.

Day 4: Mukkanuma – On this day, farmers pay tribute to the natural elements like fire, earth, and rain that enabled the harvest. People also fly kites together.

A unique feature of Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is that haridasus (devotees of Hari or Lord Vishnu) go from house to house singing songs of the Lord.

Makar Sankranti food items: Various savories such as poornalu (sweet made of rice flour covering stuffed with dal and jaggery paste), chakkara pongal (sweet pongal), rice kheer (pudding) and appalu (a sweet made of jaggery and rice flour) are prepared on this special day.

Rajasthan
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in Rajasthan with a lot of fervor and excitement. After several months of bitter cold, as the sun shifts toward the Northern Hemisphere, it is time to honor the sun for its bounty and beneficence.

Some people bathe in holy rivers in spiritual places near their places of residence.
Women in some communities gift household articles such as food or makeup to other married women.
Newlyweds are invited by the girl’s parents on the first Sankranti after marriage for a feast called Sankrant Bhoj.
Like all other states, Rajasthan also has a tradition of kite-flying. In fact, Sankranti is almost synonymous with the kite-flying festival here.
Families and friends gather on terraces and roofs and fly kites together. Colorful kites of different shapes, sizes, and colors. made of leaves and paper speck the sky.
Cities such as Jaipur and Jodhpur host kite war competitions wherein people have to cut the kite strings of other kite flyers and bring them down!
They also fly illuminated kites known as ‘tukals’, which are essentially sky lanterns, at night time.
Makar Sankranti food items: Til laddoos (sesame seed balls), moongphali (peanuts), gajak (sesame seed, peanuts, and jaggery sweet), dal pakodi (fried moong dal snack), and gajar ka halwa (carrot pudding) are some of the delicious snacks made on this day.

States like Uttarakhand have Uttarayani fairs, where they showcase their cultural songs, dances, and games, and in Madhya Pradesh, people dip in holy waters in Ujjain on this day.

While each state has unique traditions during Makar Sankranti, the spirit with which the festival is celebrated is the same – integration, thoughtfulness, and joyousness. These are apparent in the common customs that are followed – gatherings of family and friends, the spreading of good wishes, and sharing of delicacies.

Sankranti means transmigration of the Sun from one Rāshi to the next. Hence, there are 12 Sankrantis in a year. Each Sankranti is marked as the beginning of a month in the sidereal solar calendars followed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, Gujarat. On the other hand, in the sidereal solar Bengali calendar and Assamese calendar, a Sankranti is marked as the end of each month and the day following as the beginning of a new month.

Important Sankrantis
Makar Sankranti: Marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi on its celestial path, and the six-month Uttarayana period. Makara Sankranti is also called as Uttarayana – the day on which the sun begins his northward journey The traditional Indian calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. The date of Makar Sankranti remains constant over a long term, 14 January or occasionally, 15 January as the Sun begins to rise in Makara Rashi.

Mesha Sankranti: Marks the beginning of the New Year in the traditional Hindu Solar Calendar. On this day, the sun enters the sidereal Aries, or Mesha rashi. It generally falls on 14/15 April. Regional New Year festivals also take place on this day: Vaisakhi in the Punjab region, Pana Sankranti in Odisha and on the day after Mesha Sankranti, Pohela Boishakh in the Bengal region.

Dhanu Sankranti: celebrated on the first day of lunar Pausha month. In Southern Bhutan and Nepal it is celebrated by eating wild potatoes

Karka Sankranti: July 16, marks the transition of the Sun into Karka rashi. This also marks the end of the six-month Uttarayana period of Hindu calendar, and the beginning of Dakshinayana, which itself end at Makar Sankranti.

1.Makar Sankranti
According to the Hindu calendar Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated at Magh 1st of Hindu Solar Calendar for the happiness of getting new crops for farmers. It also symbolizes the end of the winter solace which makes the day last longer than night.

Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti has an astrological significance, as the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac constellation on that day. This date remains almost constant with respect to the Gregorian calendar. However, precession of the Earth’s axis causes Makar Sankranti to move over the ages. A thousand years ago, Makar Sankranti was on 31 December and is now on 14 January. According to calculations, commencing the year 2050, Makar Sankranti will fall on 15 January and occasionally on 16 January.

Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. Makara Sankranti commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. The movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and as the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac known as Makara in Sanskrit, this occasion is named as Makara Sankranti in the Indian context. It is one of the few Hindu Indian festivals which are celebrated on a fixed date i.e. 14 January

Makar Sankranti, apart from a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is said as the ‘holy phase of transition’. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be sanctified in any Hindu family, this day onwards. Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season.

All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervor. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. As it is the festival of Sun God, and he is regarded as the symbol of divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it.

2.Mesha Sankranti
Mesha Sankranti is a Hindu festival and refers to the day when the sun enters the Zodiac sign of Mesha. The day represents the vernal equinox which occurs around 21 March but the day is marked in April. The day is important in solar and lunisolar calendars followed on the subcontinent. Mesha Sankranti is a solar event and generally falls on 13 April but sometimes also falls on 14 April according to the Gregorian calendar.

Many regional calendars have two elements: lunar and solar. The lunar element is based on the movement of the moon and counts each month from either new moon to new moon, full moon to full moon,or the day after the full moon to the next full moon. The lunar element forms the basis of religious calendars and begin the year in Chaitra. Many regions begin the local new year with the commencement of the lunar calendar: Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra; Cheti Chand for the Sindhi community; and Navreh in Kashmir. In Gujarat, the regional year commences with the lunar month of Kartika after Diwali.

The solar element of lunisolar calendars begin the year in Vaisakha on Mesha Sankranti hence why the day is also called Vaisakha Sankranti. This day is observed by people across India, even in regions which begin the new year using the lunar calendar. However, some regions also begin the regional new year on Mesha Sankranti.

Mesha Sankranti: Festivals
Mesha Sankranti is observed by people to mark the solar new year irrespective of when the regional new year is observed. The Mesha sankranti festival is very important for Hindus. People bathe in waters and make pilgrimage to holy places such as Haridwar. In Bihar, the day is celebrated as Satuan which involves people bathing and then eating sattu and jaggery. The sun god is also worshipped.

New Year Festivals
Bikhoti festival
The Bikhoti Festival of Uttrakhand involves people taking a dip in holy rivers. A popular custom involves beating symbolic stones representing demons with sticks. The fair is celebrated in various major centres including Sealdah, Bageshwar and Dwarahat and involves much singing and dancing, accompanied by local drums and other instruments.

Vishu
Vishu of Kerala is considered a festival of light and fireworks, and decorating lights and bursting of firecrackers is part of the celebration. Other elements of Vishu include buying of new clothes for the occasion, and giving money called Vishukkaineetam, the Vishu feast or Sadya, consisting of equal proportions of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items. Feast items include Veppampoorasam, Mampazhappulissery, Vishu kanji and Vishu katta’. People also observe Vishukkani: “the first thing seen on the day of Vishu after waking up”. The Vishukkani consists of rice, fruits and vegetables, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, yellow flowers called ‘konna’, holy texts and coins.

Bohag Bihu
Bohag Bihu or Rangali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year on April 13th. It is celebrated seven days after Vishuva Sankranti of the month of Vaisakh or locally ‘Bohag’. The three primary types of Bihu are Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu. Each festival historically recognizes a different agricultural cycle of the paddy crops. During Rangali Bihu there are 7 pinnacle phases: ‘Chot’, ‘Raati’, ‘Goru’, ‘Manuh’, ‘Kutum’, ‘Mela’ and ‘Chera’.

Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi of the Punjab region heralds the new year where fairs are held and Bhangra and Giddha folk dances take centre stage.

Pana Sankranti
Pana Sankranti marks the Oriya new year in Odisha. Celebrations include filling a small pot with pana or a sweet drink of Mishri and water; consuming flour of horse gram, banana and curd. Danda Nacha or Danda Nata of Odisha is a tribal dance which is performed to mark the new year.

Pohela Boishakh
The Bengali new year is celebrated as Pohela Boishakh, a day after Mesha Sankranti known as Boishakh Sankrant.

The festival is celebrated as a national holiday in Bangladesh. Pohela Boishakh is also known as Nobo Barsho as it is the first day of the Bengali month of Bongabdo. Fairs are organised to celebrate the event which provide entertainment including the presentation of folk songs.

3.Dhanu Sankranti
Dhanu Sankranti also known as Dhanur Sankraman is the day when Sun enters into Dhanu Rashi or the sign of Sagittarius. Dhanu Sankranti marks the beginning of the ninth month in Hindu Solar Calendar. It marks the arrival of Dhanu month in Malayalam calendar and Margashirsha and Paush month as per the calendars followed in north and western parts of India. Dhanur mas end on the Makar Sankranti day.

On Dhanu Sankranti day Surya or the Sun God is worshiped Special prayers are offered to Surya and people also take a dip in holy rivers. It is considered very auspicious to take a Sankraman Snan or the ritual bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra, and Cauvery.

Dhanu Sankranti is of great significance in Orissa. This festival is one of the important festivals of Orissa. Special prayers and pujas are offered to Lord Jagannath on this day and is celebrated with great fervor at the Puri Jagannath Temple. In Orissa Dhanu Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of lunar Pousha month. Special delicacy made of sweetened rice flakes called Dhanu Maun is offered to Lord Jagannath in puja.

The famous Dhanu Yatra is held during this period at Baragarh town of Koshal region or Western Orissa. Though Dhanu Yatra is performed at various places in the state the one at Bargarh is the most popular Dhanu Yatra.

It is a street play based on Krishna’s visit to Mathura to witness the ceremony of ‘Bow’ organised by Kansa as described in the ‘Bhagawat Purana’. It is celebrated from Pousa Sukla SasthTithi i.e. sixth day of bright fortnight of Pousa to Pousa Purnima i.e. the full moon day of Pousa and is carried out for ten to eleven days continuously. Dhanu Yatra is the biggest open-air theatre in the known history of the world. The whole topography of Bargarh within a radius of about five to six kilometres turns into one big theatre during these eleven days.

Kansa had invited Krishna and Balaram on the occasion of Dhanu Yatra with an intention of killing them during the Yatra. Hence it is known as Dhanu Yatra. This annual mass festival enacts episodes of the epic Mahabharata from Lord Krishna’s birth to the killing of the cruel demon king Kansa by Krishna. During this occasion Bargarh town turns into Mathura. Jira River is on the border of Bargarh town becomes Jamuna. On the other side of the river Jira a small village called Ambapali becomes Gopapura. There is a mango orchard, which serves as Brundavan and a pond is used as Kalindi Sarovar. Various scenes mentioned the Bhagavata Purana is enacted in different places of Bargarh town and Ambapali village. Almost all the people in the town are part of the play.

4.Karka Sankranti
The day when Sun enters the Karka rashi is called Karka Sankranti. This day starts the southern journey of the Sun God, which is also called the Dakshinayana. It is believed that Gods go to sleep during phase of six months. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day along with devotees fasting for blessings. This day is Deva Sayani Ekadashi as well. It is said that it is extremely fulfilling to donate food and clothes on this day.

Karka Sankranti is the start of the monsoon season that marks the time agriculture, which is an important source of income in the country. Dakshinayana ends with makar Sankranti and uttarayan follows. During all the four months of Dakshinayana, people worship Lord Vishnu. Individuals who want to do Pitra tarpan for their ancestors wait for Karka Sankranti to provide the departed souls some peace.

Karka Sankranti Rituals of the Day
Devotees should take holy bath during sunrise to wash away all sins and start afresh.
On this day, Lord Vishnu is worshiped and Vishnu Sahsra nama stotram is chanted during the puja. This brings peace and better luck to the devotees.
It is said, to do all kinds of daan on this day including grains, clothes, and oil especially to Brahmins.
Along with Lord Vishnu, the Sun God is also prayed and offered puja for health and prosperity on Karka Sankranti.
One should avoid starting anything new or important on this day, as the day is not very auspicious.

The purpose of puja and fasting on Karka Sankranti is to get relief from all bad aspects that can affect you or your family. There are many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu that are flooded with devotees to offer puja on this day. In addition, Lord Varaha Swamy is worshipped on Karkataka Sankranti.

Kumbha Sankranti is an auspicious day when the world’s largest religious festival Kumbha Mela takes place in India. On this day, Sun transits from Makar Rashi to Kumbha Rashi, which denotes the start of the eleventh month (Phalgun) in the Hindu Solar Calendar. This year, the day falls on 12h February 2021.

On Kumbha Sankranti day, millions of people gather in front of the Ganga River to take a holy bath in the sacred water. They believe the holy water removes all evils and sins of the past and around them.

Importance of Kumbha Sankanti:
People around India, especially the Eastern region, celebrates the Kumbha Sankranti festival with great joy. Devotees visit Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain, and Nasik to have a bath in the Ganga river. Following by, the devotees pray to God for happiness and good luck in the future.
umbha Sankranti Rituals:
Like all other Sankranti, devotees must donate food, clothes, and other necessities to the Brahmin Pandits.
The adherent should pray to Goddess Ganga and Sun with a clean heart and full of devotion.
Take a holy dip in the river Ganga to attain Moksha (liberation).
Perform Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), and recite Aditya Hrudaya on this day.
Offer food to a cow on Kumbha Sankranti day, which is very propitious for any individual.

Benefits of Kumbha Sankranti Vrat:
Devotees observe fasting or Kumbha Sankranti Vrat on this auspicious day and perform puja (prayer) with flower, water, and yellow rice during sunrise. The act is highly beneficial and brings happiness, prosperity, success, and good fortune in life.

You must participate the same to bring some positive change in life. Also, experience and be the witness of the grand gathering of people Kumbha Mela.

Significance
It is a great festival to propitiate Sun and get blessings of Sun. Makar Sankranti is popular Hindu festival which is celebrated in many parts of country and also in many other parts of world with great zeal and enthusiasm. Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. Makara Sankranti commemorates the beginning of the harvest season and cessation of the northeast monsoon in South India. The movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti and as the Sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac known as Makara in Sanskrit, this occasion is named as Makara Sankranti in the Indian context.

All over the country, Makar Sankranti is observed with great fanfare. However, it is celebrated with distinct names and rituals in different parts of the country. In the states of northern and western India, the festival is celebrated as the Sankranti day with special zeal and fervour. The importance of this day has been signified in the ancient epics like Mahabharata also. So, apart from socio-geographical importance, this day also holds a historical and religious significance. As it is the festival of Sun God, and he is regarded as the symbol of divinity and wisdom, the festival also holds an eternal meaning to it.

History
According to the Hindu calendar Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated at Magh 1st of Hindu Solar Calendar for the happiness of getting new crops for farmers. It also symbols the end of the winter solace which makes the day last longer than night.

Determination of Date
The day of entry of sun in Makar Rashi as per Niryan System is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. If sun enters into Makar Rashi before sun rise then Makar Sankranti is celebrated on previous day.

How to Celebrate
Makar Sankranti is related to the motion of Sun in the zodiac. Sankranti is the time and day when Sun moves from one zodiac sign to another zodiac sign. Sun changes its sign every month so there is a sankranti every month. Makar Sankranti is the time when Sun enters in the sign Capricorn. With the transit of Sun in the sign Capricorn Sun enters in the northern hemispheres of celestial sphere. Sun transits in the southern hemisphere when it passed through the zodiac signs from Cancer to Sagittarius and it transits in the northern hemisphere when it transits from the zodiac signs Capricorn to Gemini. As per Hindu classical Vedic texts the six months when Sun transits in the southern hemisphere of celestial sphere it is called Divine nights and when Sun transits in the northern hemisphere it is called Divine day. As per Muhurat Chintamani 16 minutes before the entry of Sun in any sign and 16 minutes after the Sun’s entry in any zodiac sign is called Punya Kal of Sankranti. If Sun enters into a sign before mid-night then the second half of the last day is punya kal. When Sun enters into a sign after mid night then the first half of the next day will be punya kal. If it enters exactly at midnight in a zodiac sign then previous day as well as the next day will be punya kal. If Sun enters into another sign after sun set then punya kal will be the next day only.

According to Padma Purana the donations made on this day are very beneficial. Donate red clothes, wheat, jaggary, copper vessel, red flower, coconut on this day.

Wake up early in the morning, have bath. Wear red clothes, sit on red cloth and recite seed mantra of Sun “Om Ghirini Surya Aditya”.

Makar Sankranti Vrat (Fast)
(This fast of Lord Sun is observed to get rid of troubles and to abstain from the cycle of rebirth)
It is believed that Yashoda donated beetel (paan) on this day and as a result of it she got most capable son as Lord Krishna. It is considered most auspicious day for donation. Even Greeks and Romans consider it as a great day of donation. This festival of Sun in India is celebrated in different forms like as Lohari in Punjab, Paungal in South, Sankrant in UP and MP and Khichari in Bihar. Gods come to earth on this day. One should have bath in Ganga on this day.

Method of Observing Makar Sankranti Vrat
Festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the Krishna Pratipada of Hindi month Magha. Generally this day falls on the 14th January of every year. Have food one day before it and that too only once. On the day of Pratipada offer Arghya to Sun after having your bath. Donate Khichari to Brahmins and poor people. Read Makar Sankranti Vrata Katha.

Mantra
” Om Ghrini Suryaay Namah “

Aarti Shri Surya Ji Ki
kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |
tribhuvan – timir – nikandan, bhakta-hridy-chandana ||
jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |

sapta-ashvarath rajit, ek chakradhari |
du:khhari, sukhkari, mans-mal-hari ||
jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |

sur – muni – bhusur – vandit, vimal vibhvshali |
agh-dal-dalan divakar, divya kiran mali ||
jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |

sakal – sukarm – prasvita, savita shubhkari |
vishva-vilochan mochan, bhav-bandhan bhari ||
jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |

kaml-samuh vikasak, nashak tray tapa |
sevat sahaj harat ati mansij-santapa ||
jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |

netra-vyadhi har suravar, bhu-pida-hari |
vrishti vimochan santat, parhit vratdhari ||
jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |

suryadev karunakar, ab karuna kijai |
har agyan-moh sab, tattvagyan dijai ||
jay kashyap-nandan, om jay aditi nandan |

Significance of Makar Sankranti Festival: Common Beliefs & Rituals
Makar Sankranti Festival
Significance of Makar Sankranti Festival is one such festival which falls on same day every year that is on 14th January. Generally, all the Hindu festivals are as per lunar calendar but this I one festival which is as per solar calendar.

This falls in the Hindu calendar month of Magh. This day signifies the end of winter and start of summer meaning longer days and shorter nights.

This Makar Sankranti Festival is also called as Uttarayan or north ward movement of sun. This festival is also called Maghi Sankrant.

Makar Sankranti Festival Folklores
There are several folklores describe the Significance of Makar Sankranti Festival. One of the stories is dated back to Mahabharata. It is said that Bhishma Pitamah had a blessing of Iccha Mrityu or death as per wish.

In the end of the war of Mahabharat, Bhishma Pitamah was hit by an arrow by Arjun. He didn’t leave his life till the day of Makar Sankrant.

Bhishma Pitamah knew that when a person dies in Dakshinayan or South ward expedition of sun a person does not get Moksha and he has to take another life.

He has to go through a complete life cycle. So, on the day of Makar Sankrant, his soul left his body.

Another story states it is on this day that River Ganga followed King Bhagirath from heaven to this earth. It passed nearby from Kapil Muni ashram, then she mixed with Ganga Sagar.

After the River Ganga came to earth, King Bhagirath did tarpan of his forefather or ancestors. Even today there are fairs on the river banks in many places.

Another story says that Mata Yashoda had followed a day-long fast on this day to get a blessing for a child. It is said that married women give laddus of jaggery, groundnut and til to other married women.

This is believed that Til or sesame is a symbol of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that sesame was the product of Lord Vishnu.

Hence it is used to vade off the curse and to be healthy. It also develops heat in the body to stay warm in cold days.

Maghe Sankranti is celebrated in Madesh and Tharuhat regions in Nepal. This also has astrological significance, as this is only festival based on solar movements.

Puja Ritual of Makar Sankranti
This is one festival which is widely celebrated across India. This is also called festival of harvest. But the ways of celebrations change from north India to south India.

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

In Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh this festival is called Makar Sankranti while in Bihar, Assam, this festival is called Magh Bihu.

Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh this festival is called Lohri or Maghi. This Festival is call Thai Pongal, In Tamilnadu, in Uttarakhand it is called Ghughuti.

All married women donate cotton, oil and salt to other suhagan or married women on their first Sankranti, In Maharashtra. Even small gift is given to all married women.

Women worship sugad. Sugad means small mud pots which are filled with various grian. This festival is also called as festival of harvest. In Bengal, there is a tradition of donating til after taking a bath in Makar Sankrant.

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

This festival is celebrated on a grand scale. It is said that people specially visit Gujarat to experience this festival. 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.

In some places this is celebrated for four days. It is generally started with Bhogi followed by Makara, then Kanuma and Mukkanuma. Bhogi is celebrated in Tamilnadu and Maharashtra.

Makara Sankranti is celebrated widely across the country while Kanuma and Mukanuma are celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

In Assam, this festival is celebrated with feasts and bonfire. People prepare to make shift hut in which they eat on Makar Sankrant and burn the next day morning.

Newly wed couples are gifted with black clothes and jewellery made of halwa or pointed sugar balls. If a house has new born then Borenan is done.

In this a basket filled with chocolates, berries, halwa, etc are put over the child who is also wearing black clothes and halwa jewellery

This is another festival which is widely celebrated across India. This is also a celebration of harvest.

Common Beliefs of Makar Sankranti
It is said that one who wears black and does not go out much then Sankrant of problems does not fall on him. The sharing of til laddus take away the bitterness and spread love among the relations.

It is also believed that married women til and laddu are blessed with child. People wear black clothes to wade with ill luck.

Special Food Item on Makar Sankranti
This festival falls in winter and hence all the food items prepared are generally heat generating. Most famous food item of all is Til Laddu which is prepared from til or sesame and gud or jaggery.

Another famous dish is til poli. A mixture or til and gud is used to stuff roti. Most of the Odiya people prepare Makara Chaula. It is made from freshly harvested rice, jaggery, milk, banana, sugarcane and chhena.

In Maharashtra, a day before Makar Sankranti is called bhogi. A special Bhogi Sabji or vegetable and bhakai or a chapatti made of bajra is prepared. Some also prepare khichadi.

Payesh and Pinni are also famous dishes in this festival. In a state of Gujrat, it a kite festival with main food items like fafda and jalebi. A famous vegetable undiyo is made on this occasion.

Makar Sankranti Festival: FAQ
Other name of makar sankranti festival
This festival is also called as Uttarayan or north ward movement of sun. This festival is also called Maghi Sankrant.

How makar sankranti related with mahabharat
One of the stories is dated back to Mahabharata. It is said that Bhishma Pitamah had a blessing of Icha Mrityu or death as per wish.
On the day of Makar Sankrant, Bhishma Pitamah soul left his body.

What is makar sankranti
Makar Sankranti Festival is one such festival which falls on same day every year that is on 14th January. This day signifies the end of winter and start of summer meaning longer days and shorter nights. Generally, all the Hindu festivals are as per lunar calendar but this I one festival which is as per solar calendar.

Is makar sankranti gazetted holiday
No
makar sankranti is not a gazetted holiday in india.

Why we wear black dress on makar sankranti
It is said that one who wears black and does not go out much then Sankrant of problems does not fall on him. The sharing of til laddus take away the bitterness and spread love among the relations.
It is also believed that married women til and laddu are blessed with child. People wear black clothes to wade with ill luck.

Can we eat non veg on makar sankranti
No…do not consume and do not advise
We should not consume non veg. Do not advice anyone nonveg on this day. It is a spiritual day. Celebrate it with veg food like

Til Laddu which is prepared from til or sesame and gud or jaggery.
Another famous dish is til poli.
Most of the Odiya people prepare Makara Chaula.
In a state of Gujarat, it a kite festival with main food items like fafda and jalebi.

How do we celebrate makar sankranti
Celebration of makar sankranti is held in different ways across the india as per the local rituals.

In Bihar, Makar Sankranti festival is known as Khichdi. On this day, donating urad, rice, gold, woollen clothes, blankets etc. have their own importance.
In Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, Karnataka and Andhra Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh this festival is called Lohri or Maghi. This Festival is call Thai Pongal, In Tamilnadu, in Uttarakhand it is called Ghughuti.
Pradesh this festival is called Makar Sankranti while in Bihar, Assam, this festival is called Magh Bihu.
All married women donate cotton, oil and salt to other suhagan or married women on their first Sankranti, In Maharashtra. Even small gift is given to all married women.
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated as Pongal for four days. In Gujarat, the kite festival is organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
This festival is celebrated on a grand scale. It is said that people specially visit Gujarat to experience this festival. In Uttar Pradesh it is mainly the festival of ‘Donation’.

How we celebrate makar sankranti
Celebration of makar sankranti is held in different ways across the india as per the local rituals.

In Bihar, Makar Sankranti festival is known as Khichdi. On this day, donating urad, rice, gold, woollen clothes, blankets etc. have their own importance.
In Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha, Karnataka and Andhra Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh this festival is called Lohri or Maghi. This Festival is call Thai Pongal, In Tamilnadu, in Uttarakhand it is called Ghughuti.
Pradesh this festival is called Makar Sankranti while in Bihar, Assam, this festival is called Magh Bihu.
All married women donate cotton, oil and salt to other suhagan or married women on their first Sankranti, In Maharashtra. Even small gift is given to all married women.
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated as Pongal for four days. In Gujarat, the kite festival is organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.
This festival is celebrated on a grand scale. It is said that people specially visit Gujarat to experience this festival. In Uttar Pradesh it is mainly the festival of ‘Donation’.

Makar Sankranti Rituals and Puja Vidhi
The first major festival of the year Makar Sankranti is considered the most auspicious day among all. Know basic puja vidhi and rituals to perform in Makar Sankranti

People clean the entire house on this auspicious day.

· On the day of Makar Sankranti, the person who performs the Puja in the house along with the other members takes an oil bath in the early morning.

· The house is beautifully decorated with Rangoli especially at the entrance and a garland of flowers and mango leaves is hung in the doorways.

· An idol or picture of the Lord Surya is placed for worship in the Puja room.

· Time from sunrise to sunset on Makar-Sankranti is auspicious. A Holy dip during this period carries special significance. Those who take a Holy dip in the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krushna, and Kaveri at the Holy places situated on the banks of these rivers acquire the highest merit.

· Haldi Kumkum ceremony is performed for married women.

· Small Mud pots are worshipped.

· Black til with molasses is distributed in temples, relatives, and friends. It is believed that it helps in eradicating the malicious effects of Saturn and the Sun God.

· On this day people also perform Shani Shanti Graha puja at home.

· If Sun is having negative effects on your horoscope then on this day you can donate to the needy to minimize its effects.

· This day is also considered auspicious to attract Monetary power in life.

· This day is also considered to be super auspicious for performing any sacred work or starting a new initiative.

Customized Rituals you Can Perform For Dosh Nivarana

Depending on your age you can fly that many numbers of kites and let the strings break. It is believed that this would fly away all your bad luck.
Laddus of Gud and Til can be used to remove negative powers from your body by moving them from head to toe 21 times. You can then offer them to black cows.
Offering food to fish on this day is also auspicious.
Rudra Abhishek is a very powerful Puja performed in the name of Lord Shiva and that can do miracles if practiced on this day.
Tula daan can be done on this day to ward off health problems and mental issues.

Significance Of Makar Sankranti – What Is The Importance Of Makar Sankranti In Hindu Religion? – Why Is It Observed?
Makar Sankranti is of great significance to a devout Hindu and is one of the most important dates in the Hindu Calendar. Bhagavan Surya (Sun God) is worshiped on this day in Hindu religion. Every living and non-living being merges with the Brahman and Sun is the Pratyaksha-Brahman or the Brahman (God) that can be seen. Makar Sankranti also heralds the arrival of spring and this is why it is mainly observed.

The importance of Sun to earth and to the living beings was understood by Hindus from the very beginning. And the importance of it can be found in the Gayatri Mantra chanted to Sun (Surya) daily.
Makar Sankranti signals the end of winter and the onset of spring throughout the northern hemisphere. The period is referred to as Uttarayana Punyakalam and is considered auspicious. For the next six months, the days are longer and warmer. Legend has it that the Devas wake up after a six-month long slumber during this period.

There is also a symbolic meaning to Makar Sankranti. ‘Makar’ means crocodile. Sankranti means ‘to cross into or change.’ The ‘Makara’ or crocodile represents the materialistic world and ‘Sankranti’ gives an opportunity to get away from the clutches of the crocodile or the materialistic world.

The six month long Uttarayana begins on the Makar Sankranti day. From this day, the harshness of winter subsidizes and the days get longer. Symbolically, the Sun slowly removes darkness and ushers in the light of knowledge. Uttarayana is also the daytime of the Devas and therefore auspicious activities takes place during this period.

There are also numerous legends and myths which add to the importance of Makar Sankranti.

One of the most important myths is the death of Bhishma Pitamaha in the Mahabharata. Bhishma chose the Uttarayan period. (Bhisma had got a boon from his father that he will only die when he wishes.) It is believed that people who die during Uttarayana merges with the Brahman, thus ending the cycle of rebirth.

Legend also has it that Lord Vishnu buried Asuras on this day beneath the Mandara Mountain. It signifies the end of evil and the dawn of righteousness.

Another legend is that King Bhagiratha brought Ganga down into Patala on Makar Sankranti day. This was to get salvation to his ancestors who were cursed by Sage Kapila and turned into ashes. On this day millions of people take bath in the Ganges. Makar Sankranti is also an important bathing date during Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela.

Puranas state that on Makar Sankranti day, Surya visits Shani Bhagavan. In Hindu holy texts, Shani is the son of Surya.

Sankranti Calendar
Sankranti Dates
In Hindu calendar, there are total twelve Sankranti in a year. All twelve Sankranti can be divided into four categories which are known as Ayan, Vishuva, Vishnupadi and Shadshitimukhi Sankranti. About 12 Sankranti provides detailed information on the categorization of Sankranti and their significance in Hindu Calendar.

Among all Sankranti, Makar Sankranti is the most significant one and it is observed throughout India. Due to the popularity of Makar Sankranti, it is just known as Sankranti. In South India, Makar Sankranti is observed for four days. Makar Sankranti Calendar lists all events and rituals which are followed during four days of Sankranti festivities.

Sankranti days are considered good for charity activities and all auspicious ceremonies are avoided on the day of Sankranti(s).Makar Sankranti: The Festival of Harvest
Every year, the end of January observes the winter solstice and the start of longer days. Since time immemorial, this occasion is celebrated in India and Nepal as the festival of harvest or Makar Sankranti. Also known as Maghi, this festival day is dedicated to the worship of the sun. Unlike most festivals that follow the lunar cycle, Makar Sankranti follows the solar cycle and thus, is celebrated almost on the same day every year. Marking the sun’s transit into the Makara Rashi or Capricorn sign, Makar Sankranti 2023 will be celebrated on the 14th of January.

Makar Sankranti in Karnataka
With the state gearing up for the festivities, “Ellu bella thindu olle mathaadi” is the Kannada saying that will make its rounds. This saying means “eat the mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and speak good words”. This saying follows a very important tradition called ‘Ellu Birodhu’. Women and children go door-to-door exchanging plates containing a piece of sugarcane, a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery and candy made out of caramelised sugar. This tradition symbolizes the virtues of sharing and spreading happiness. People also clean their houses, tie mango leaves to the entrances of their homes, wear new clothes and pray to God. The prayers are not only offered at home but also in temples.

Other Activities during Makar Sankranti
The social festivities associated with Sankranti are colourful decorations, singing and dancing, kite flying, bonfires, rangoli making and sometimes even kusti (wrestling). Another age-old ritual in Karnataka is where people adorn their cattle with vibrant costumes and jewels and make them jump across a big pit of fire. This showcase of cattle is locally known as ‘Kicchu Haisodu’. These activities create an atmosphere of cheer and merry-making.

Delicacies of Makar Sankranti
No Indian festival is complete without its special delicacies, such is Makar Sankranti. Pongal, a dish of rice mixed with boiled milk and sugar is a treat prepared by all during this festival. Other festive dishes include lemon and tamarind rice, vadas, vegetable gravies and Payasa (a sweet rice pudding).

‘To be grateful for the land on which our food grows and to unite and rejoice’ is the essence of Sankranti. This festival brings forth generosity, harmony, gratitude and love among people.

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Sankranti day is 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. On this day, farmers across the country wish for a good harvest.

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 DrikPanchaang, “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 daytime.”

Makar Sankranti Significance

Makar Sankranti is the date from which the northward movement of the sun begins. The period from Karka Sankranti to Makar Sankranti is known as the Dakshinayan.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

According to the scriptures, Dakshinayan symbolizes the night of god or the sign of negativity, and Uttarayan is considered as a symbol of the day of God or a sign of positivity. Since on this day, the sun starts its journey towards the north so, people take a holy dip in Ganga, Godavari, Krishna, Yamuna River at holy places, chant mantras, etc. Normally the sun affects all the zodiac signs, but it is said that the entry of the sun in the zodiac sign of Cancer and Capricorn religiously is very fruitful.
Before Makar Sankranti, the sun is in the Southern Hemisphere. For this reason, in India, in winter nights are longer and days are smaller. But with the Makar Sankranti, the sun starts its journey towards Northern Hemisphere and so, days will be longer and nights smaller.
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, people express their gratitude towards the people of India throughout the year by worshiping the sun God in various forms. Any meritorious deeds or donations during this period establish more fruitful.
Performing Haldi Kumkum ceremony in a way that invokes the waves of quiescent Adi – Shakti in the Universe to get triggered. This helps in generating an impression of Sagun devotion on the mind of a person & enhances the Spiritual emotion to God.

In different regions of the country, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by different names

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.
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 fast in Uttar Pradesh eat and offer khichdi. Also, Khichdi Mela is organized at Gorakhdham in Gorakhpur.
In Bihar, the Makar Sankranti festival is known as Khichdi. On this day, donating urad, rice, gold, woolen clothes, blankets, etc. have its own importance.
In Maharashtra, all married women donate cotton, oil, and salt to other suhagin or married women on their first Sankrant.
In Bengal, there is a tradition of donating til after taking bath on Makar Sankrant. A huge fair is also organized every year in Gangasagar.
Pongal: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti in Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated as Pongal for four days.
Kite Festival: In Gujarat, the kite festival is organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Therefore, in India, the Makar Sankranti festival has its own importance. It is celebrated in various States by different names. So now you may have come to know the history of Makar Sankranti and how is it celebrated.

The word Sankranti brings the breeze of festive mood and celebration, reminding of those sky-kissing kites and tasty Sankranti dishes.

Where kids start to miss their kites, the Indian ladies scroll their Sankranti recipes, and old people think of those river baths and charitable activities.

We know how to celebrate Sankranti, but do you know “why” we observe the Sankranti? Let’s take a quick tour of information about the Sankranti festival and scroll the complete list of 12 Sankranti days which are signified one by one. One comes each month throughout the year.

In the first section of this Brisk Post, we will know the literal word meaning of Sankranti.

In the second section, we will know what is Sankranti and what is the rationale and significance of Sankranti in Hindu culture and mythology.

In the third section, the article will unfold the complete Sankranti list.

About Sankranti: Meaning of Sankranti

The literal word meaning of ‘Sankranti’ is ‘transition’ or ‘transmigration’.

When it is about the Hindu festival ‘Sankranti’, it means the planetary shift of the Sun from one Rashi to another Rashi. It is the time or activity marking the transition or shifting of the Sun from one to another Zodiac or Astrological sign.

What is Sankranti?

Sankranthi is a religiously observed Hindu fast and festival day that has great values in Indian culture and traditions.

There are twelve Sankranti(s) in a year. They are observed as the very auspicious days for Dan-Punya (Donation/ Sadka).

However Note: Where Sankranti is believed to be sacred for religious activities, the auspicious events are being avoided to celebrate during this day.

The Hindu priests find out the Muhurats, that is, certain auspicious time-durations for performing the Sankranti-related rituals and religious activities.

Mostly it is certain Ghati(s) (period) before or after the Sankranti muhurta when the time is considered to be propitious, favorable, and fortunate to offer the offerings or performing the righteous activities.

List of 12 Sankranthi

Though Sankranti is observed as per the Hindu calendar called Panchang and falls once a month, yet if you will check out the date in the English calendar, then also it falls once a month. It means that there are about 12 Sankranti(s) in number, which are observed with different names and each of them has a different significance.

The monthly Sankranti (as per Panchang tithi) falls between 14th to 18th days of the English calendar.

Here you are the 12 Sankranthi days in the year 2021 which are known as ‘Sankramanam’ or ‘Sankranthi’ and mark auspicious timings for righteous activities such as Daan-Punya, etc.

Makar Sankranti January
Kumbha Sankranti February
Meena Sankranti March
Mesha Sankranti, Solar New Year April
Vrishabha Sankranti May
Mithuna Sankranti June
Karka Sankranti July
Simha Sankranti August
Kanya Sankranti, Vishwakarma Puja September
Tula Sankranti October
Vrischika Sankranti November
Dhanu Sankranti December

In the case of Makar Sankranti, the festival is celebrated with distinguished names and rituals in different states of India. Such as- Makar Sankranti is marked as the same name in Rajasthan, but it is famous as Lohri in Punjab, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Bihu in Assam, and Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

4 Types of Sankranti in Hindu Calendar

Sankranti Calendar is the collection of all 12 Sankranti dates in one place which is found out as per the Hindu Solar Calendar. When Sun enters from one to another Rashi or Zodiac, the event is called ‘Sankranti’ that is literally the ‘transmigration’ or ‘migration’ or ‘transmission’ or simply ‘change’.

The certain time duration, that is before and after the moment of Sankranti, is believed to be auspicious for donating the clothes, food, cow, and other stuff to the needy one. People follow this all as part of their rituals, tradition, and culture. Some celebrate it as a festival, and some see this as an opportunity to perform righteous acts.

For many of us who have lived far from our grandparents in a nuclear family, or have not got the traditional background, or have always lived out of their country, it becomes tough for them to understand even the basic terms like Panchang, Muhurat, or Rashi.

Here we will get aware of the much-used basic terms of astrology, which are necessary to understand the system of finding the Sankranthi time and getting the complete Sankranti calendar.

Sankranti Calendar: Sankranti in Hindu Calendar

For introducing the dates and times of Sankranti and the auspicious Muhurat for charitable activities, people use two terminologies- “Sankranthi Calendar” and “Sankranti in Hindu Calendar”.

What is the difference between these two terminologies? Technically, nothing!

Sankranti calendar, as mentioned above, includes all the Sankranti(s) in one place.

Sankranti in the Hindu calendar specifies or highlights the Sankranti moment along with all the other special days.

Sankranti is observed as per the Hindu calendar system. When one says Hindu calendar, a few of the following names come to mind- Panchang, Hindu Lunar Calendar, and Hindu Solar Calendar. Let’s know them.

Here, Panchang is the Hindi word for Hindu Lunar Calendar which relies on the phases on the moon.

On the other hand, the Hindu Solar Calendar depends on the movement of the Sun.

As we know there are 12 Sankranti in total which fall in a year as per the Hindu calendar, yet they can be classified into four categories which are named as- Ayan, Vishnupadi, Vishuva, and Shashitimukhi Sankranthi(s).

Technical Terms of Astrology: Let’s Simplify It!

Before we proceed to understand the categorization of all Sankranti(s), let’s take some information about the related terminologies to understand further information with ease.

Hindu Astrologers: Breaking the Complicated Terms!

Hindu Astrologers follow the Hindu calendar. It is based on Sidereal Astrology (Nirnaya or Niranaya Astrology) in which the precession (Ayanamsha or Ayan-Ansh) of the earth is considered.

Here, sidereal time means the time that relies on the movement of planet Earth in the context of the stars.

And precession means the traveling line which is in the same formal direction.

Western Astrologers: What They Follow?

Western Astrologers follow Sayana or Tropical Astrology, in which the counterpart of Sidereal Astrology is considered.

Let’s understand the significance of dividing the 12 Sankranti(s) into four types.

Ayan Sankranti or Ayani Sankranthi

As per the Hindu calendar, there are two Sankranti(s) which fall into the category of Ayan Sankranti, which are- Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti.

Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayana Sankranti and is conceptually considered to be equivalent to the Winter Solstice.

Here, Uttarayana is the duration of those six months when the Sun travels into the Northern hemisphere.

Surya Deva (Devta) or Lord Surya begins the movement into the Northern hemisphere before 24 days of Makar Sankranti. It simply means that the Sun starts to move on the 21st or 22nd of December and enters on the 14th or 15th of January. And thus the Makar Sankranti occurs on January 14 or 15 of the year.

Karka Sankranti is also known as Dakshinayana Sankranti and is conceptually considered to be equivalent to the Summer Solstice.

Here, Dakshinayana is the duration of those six months when the Sun travels into the Southern hemisphere.

Sun God begins commences moving into the Southern hemisphere before 24 days of Karka Sankranti. It means that the Sun begins to move on 21st or 22nd June and enters on the 15th or 16th of July. Thus the Karka Sankranti occurs on July 15 or 16, drifting itself apart from the Summer Solstice with the difference of 24 days.

The Contradiction between Hindu Calendar and Seasons

In the case of Makar Sankranti, the Sun corresponds with the background stars as per the original concept for spotting the day of Makar Sankranti. But in the case of Karka Sankranti or Winter Solstice, the Sun God does not correspond with the same background stars, which ideally should have been for marking the day.

Thus we find the contradiction between the Hindu calendar system and the seasons in reality. For marking the Sankranti days, the seasons are being drifted apart, maintaining the same state of the Sun in corresponds to the stars in the background.

Do Vedic Astrologers Know This?

Technically, the definitions of Ayan Sankranti(s) are incorrect in the present scenario, and the Vedic Astrologers, Hindu Astrologers, and Panchang Karta have the knowledge, information, and awareness about it. However, they do not think of correcting this all because of considering the precession.

Let’s Go to the Basics of the Hindu Calendar

Precession is the basic foundation of Panchang or Hindu calendar, which means-

Precession has to mark the right place of stars.
The positioning of stars has to be correct.
No minute correction can be performed as it will invalidate the entire concept and indeed the foundation of the Sidereal Astrology.

What Will Happen in the Future?

Although these Ayani Sankranti(s) are traveling distantly from seasonal solstices because of the precession of our planet Earth, yet they will again coincide with the seasonal solstices after thousands of years.

Are We Following the Wrong System?

No, as per the above-explained fact, Hindus observe the Makar Sankranti at the right time and date. With the passing of time, most of the Indians or Hindus have started considering the Uttarayana as a misnomer. They accept and realize this by avoiding Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice for performing any kind of religious deeds.

What is the Right Muhurat of Sankranti?

Interestingly, the religious Hindu texts guide rightly about the auspicious time periods and Ayan Sankranti. For performing the righteous activities like Daan Punya or charity related deeds, the auspicious time is considered to be-

40 Ghati(s) after Makar Sankranti
30 Ghatis(s) before Karka Sankranti.

Vishuva or Sampat Sankranti

There are two Sankranti that come under the category of Vishuv Sankranti–

Mesha Sankranti is also known as Vasant Sampat, which is equivalent to Vernal Equinox as per the concept.
Tula Sankranti is also known as Sharad Sampat, which conceptually is equivalent to Autumnal Equinox.

These two Vishuva Sankranti(s) are traveling distantly from the seasonal Equinoxes because of the precession of our planet Earth. The seasonal Equinoxes and the Vishuva Sankranti(s) will again coincide together after thousands of years.

Right time of Performing Righteous Acts

The time duration of fifteen Ghati(s) before and after the Mesha and Tula Sankranti is believed to be very auspicious for donation-related acts.

Vishupadi Sankranti

There are four Sankranti(s) that fall under the category of Vishupadi Sankranti; they are- Kumbha Sankranti, Vrishabha Sankranti, Simha Sankranti, and Vrishchika Sankranti.

Auspicious Time Durations

The time period of 16 Ghati(s) before the Vishupadi Sankranti is believed to be the best for performing Sankranti-related charitable rituals.

Shadshitimukhi Sankranti

The rest of the four Sankranti(s)- Meena Sankranti, Mithuna Sankranti, Kanya Sankranti, and Dhanu Sankranti falls in the category of Shadshitimukhi Sankranti.

Best Time for Sankranti Related Daan Punya

The duration of 16 Ghati(s) after the Shadshitimukhi Sankranti is considered the right time for auspicious activities.

Sankranti

Dedicated to the Sun deity, Makar Sankranti, or Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It marks the transit of the sun into the northern hemisphere — its northward journey — and is thus also known as Uttarayan. In the northern parts of the country, it marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated as a harvest festival. One of the few festivals observed according to the solar cycle, Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the makar or capricorn zodiac.

Makar Sankranti is one of the 12 Sankranti (or Sankranthi) days that are a part of the Hindu calendar. Sankranti, also known as Sankramanam means transit and marks transition of the sun into a new sign. The twelve Sankranti days in a year are divided into four main categories — Ayan, Vishuva, Vishnupadi and Shadhitimukhi Sankranti. Among all the 12 Sankranti says, ‘Makar Sankranti’ is the most promising one and it is celebrated all over India.

Since it follows the Gregorian calendar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the same day each year, January 14, with some exceptions when it is deferred by a day. You can check Sankranti dates and timings to observe the festival as per tradition.

In Southern India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated for four days with Sankranti Puja rituals and traditions. Sankranti is favourable for charity, but auspicious ceremonies are avoided on this day. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of a prosperous phase or the holy phase of transition. It also marks the end of the inauspicious phase, which starts in mid-December. All sacred rituals and auspicious ceremonies can be performed after Sankranti.

Makar Sankranti is known by different names in various parts of the country. In Gujarat, it is known by the name of Uttarayan. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal whereas in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab, it is called Maghi (from the month of Magh) and is preceded by the festival of Lohri. On this day, sweets and snacks are prepared at home and kite flying is practised in the Northern parts as well as Gujarat. Makar Sankranti marks a new phase of life which is full of knowledge, purity, and wisdom.

ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”Sankranti Vrat