India's most popular holiday is when people worship the Sun God in order to ask for his blessings on a bountiful harvest, luck, good health, and wealth.
In Indian mythology, the Sun God is regarded as the source of all the energy that sustains life and provides nourishment. On this day, the Sun transits to Makar, which is Capricorn in the zodiac, making the pursuit of his divinity lucky.
Meaning, Date, & Location of Makar Sankranti 2023
Makar Sankranti, which marks the end of winter and the start of warmer months and longer days, is a lucky day when the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign. This fortunate event also heralds the arrival of spring, which is representative of new blossoms and a bountiful harvest. It is also known as Uttarayan because the sun starts travelling to the north on this day forward, which is known as the Uttarayan voyage.
According to the solar cycle's predetermined schedule, Makar Sankranti is observed on January 14 each year. Except for leap years, when it is observed on January 15, the date stays the same.
The Uttar Pradesh city of Allahabad is a significant location for the celebration of this well-known harvest festival. Together with Delhi, the nation's capital, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Bihar also observe the event under the same name as Uttar Pradesh. In addition, it is celebrated as Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
History of Makar Sankranti According to legends, even the ancient people celebrated Makar Sankranti, although their main goal was to worship the Sun God in hopes that he would protect them from the icy conditions that prevailed at the time. According to another well-known folktale, King Bhagirathi delivered the Ganga to Earth on this day.
As Bhishma waited for Uttarayan to go from his mortal body, the epic Mahabharata also makes reference to the time period of Uttarayan that starts with Makar Sankranti. Those who pass away around this time are said to break free from the cycle of birth and death.
The Biggest Attractions For Makar Sankranti 2023
The first festival of the year, Makar Sankranti, is observed in practically all Indian states under various names and customs. It is undoubtedly a prime illustration of harmony in variety, which is also the festival's main draw. View the additional attractions listed below!
- Food. The traditional foods linked with this celebrated holiday in India are a major draw. On this auspicious day, people in North India create traditional foods such ghee-based Churma, Til Patti, Gajak, Revri, Til Ladoo, and Khichdi.
- Flying kites. Kite flying, which is mostly practised in cities in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, is one of the most exciting and colourful aspects of Makar Sankranti. At the festival, people choose kites of all sizes and colours or choose to decorate their existing kites. The International Kite Flying Festival in Gujarat draws tourists from all over the world.
- Gift of khichdi, pulses, and sesame seeds. Prashad is a dish that is prepared in the northern part of India using ingredients including lentils, jaggery, and sesame seeds. After giving this prasad to the Sun God, they give it to charity and consume it.
- Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam during the Magh Mela. During the Makar Sankranti celebration, many people travel to Triveni Sangam in the vicinity of Prayagraj. On this day, it is considered lucky to take a holy bath in the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge.
- During Makar Sankranti, taking a holy bath cleanses away one's sins and gives abundant good fortune.