Makar Sankranti 2023: All you need to know about the festival

The first Hindu holiday of the year, Makar Sankranti, is observed with tremendous fanfare and zeal throughout India and typically falls on 14th January every year. Hindus all around India commemorate this important harvest festival, although different states have their own unique names, customs, and celebrations. Due to the sun's northward motion, Makar Sankranti heralds the end of winter and the start of longer days. Because of this, this time period is also known as Uttarayan and is seen as being particularly lucky.

The festival of Makar Sankranti is observed one day after Lohri, typically on January 14. However, some people will also celebrate this festival on January 15 this year.

History and significance

This harvest festival honours Surya, whom the Hindu faith considers to be the Sun God, and is both a religious and seasonal celebration. Makar Sankranti commemorates the sun's entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign and is primarily observed by Hindus worldwide, particularly in the Indian Subcontinent.

Also read: Places to celebrate the joyful festival of Makar Sankranti in India

Hindus believe that those who pass away on Makar Sankranti do not experience rebirth but rather enter paradise instead. The deity Sankranti, after whom the festival is named, is thought to have fought a demon by the name of Sankarasur, and the Devi is said to have killed the wicked Kinkarasur on the day after Makar Sankranti, also known as Karidin or Kinkrant.

Celebration

Worshippers wake up early in the morning around the time of sunrise to commemorate the day. Regardless on where you are in the nation, the day traditionally starts with a dip in a sacred river like the Ganga, Kaveri, or Krishna. By taking this dip, you can wash away your misdeeds and receive fortune for the new tomorrow that is about to dawn. Chants and prayer are performed while taking this dip. Since it's a lucky day, lots of people give to the least privileged and donate money. Since the Vedic era, Lord Surya has been revered throughout India.

Makar Sankranti is associated culturally with a variety of regional specialties and meals. The food items such as Til Laddoo, Payasam, Puran Poli, Pongal, and Undhiyu are among the favourites. Some of the ingredients utilised in Makar Sankranti recipes around the nation include sesame and jaggery. Another significant activity for the day is flying kites.