Makar Sankranti is around the corner. It is observed each year the day Sun enters the Capricorn zodiac which corresponds with the month of January as per the Gregorian calendar.
It marks the first day of the sun's transit into Makar rashi.
Date of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14 this year. The presence of Sun and Saturn in Capricorn on January 14 is a very rare coincidence. And this coincidence is happening after 29 years on 14 January 2022. It was last witnessed in 1993.
History
According to mythological beliefs, this festival is associated with the unique union of father and son. Capricorn is the sign of Shani Dev. Surya Dev enters his zodiac to meet his son Shani Dev. Also, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the victory of Lord Vishnu over the Asuras.
Significance
Every year Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of January. This festival is dedicated to the Hindu religious sun god Surya.
Other names of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is known with different names in different states. It is known as Uttarayan in Gujarat and Rajasthan whereas in Haryana and Punjab the festival is known as Maghi. In Kerala, Makar Sankranti is known as Makaravilakku.
Rituals related to Makar Sankranti
On this day, people take bath in holy river Ganga. Do fasting, charity and worship Surya Dev.
This day is celebrated by offering black sesame seeds, sesame laddus, rice, vegetables, pulses, turmeric, fruits, and other items to the poor.
Apart from this, there is also a tradition of flying kites in some places on Makar Sankranti.
In states like UP, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, this is the time for harvesting new crops. Farmers celebrate this day as gratitude day.