Fortune

Makar Sankranti - a day to invite goodness and light in life

The 11^th lunar month and 10^th solar month in the Hindu calendar (Vikram samvat) is known by the name of ‘Maghaa’. One of the reasons why this month is known as magh is that purnima in collaboration with maghaa nakshatra falls in this month. When the sun makes a transition from Dhanur Rashi to Makar rashi, it is known as ‘Makar-Sankranti’.

The auspicious Uttarayan period

From the commencement of this day, the sun turns uttarayan or sets in the northern path; according to Indian shastras, the period of uttarayan is considered as day while the period of dakshinayan is considered as night for the gods. Thus, Makar Sankranti can be regarded as the beginning of day time for the divine powers. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of a favourable phase when all kinds of auspicious ceremonies and sacred rituals can be performed by the people. This day brings an end to the inauspicious period which had begun around mid-December. Interestingly, the sun during the uttarayan period is known as ‘Mitra’ or friend as its rays help us to attain good health, positivity and strength. Hence, Sun God is also shown reverence on this day. On a spiritual level, Makar Sankranti signifies enlightenment, happiness, peace and prosperity after a gap of darkness and ignorance. It is a ‘swyam siddha muhurta’ in which all kinds of auspicious ceremonies and rituals are sanctified. This year, Makar Sankranti falls on 14th January.

Rituals followed on this day 

On this day, bathing in holy waters, doing charity, chanting the Holy name of god, meditation and religious ceremonies have a great importance. It is a common belief that all the gods and goddesses change their forms and visit Prayag which is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati to take bath. Therefore, a sacred dip in Prayag is undoubtedly the most auspicious one to purify oneself and acquire ‘Punya’.  As per the Hindu scriptures, it is said that any kind of charity done on this day is received back later by a hundredfold. Making donations of butter, cereals, blanket has a special significance on this day. One who donates these things is believed to attain moksha or liberation after enjoying all the pleasures of life. On the day of Makar Sankranti, bathing in the sacred river of Ganga and doing all kinds of charity work on the banks of Ganga is regarded highly auspicious.

A special occasion for everyone

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different names and by following different rituals across the country. It is also one of the most important harvest festivals celebrated in many parts of India. In Gujarat, this festive day turns into a kite flying occasion. As the kites soar high, the winter sky is blanketed with a colourful hue. Makar Sankranti is named as ‘Khichdi’ in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. This is why it is a ritual to eat khichdi and donate khichdi-til (sesame seeds) in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. In Maharashtra, married women donate oil, cotton, salt etc. to other women. In West Bengal, people follow the ritual of donating sesame seeds after bathing. In Southern India, this holy occasion is known as Pongal. People offer freshly harvested rice grains, lentils and sesame seeds to ‘Krishi God’ and express their reverence and gratitude towards the Almighty. Bhogali or Magh . also Sri Tushoo Puja is done in Assam and hills. In Assam, the festival of Bihu is celebrated on this day. As per the rituals in Rajasthan, a married woman offers a variety of sweets such as sesame laddoos, ghevar and motichur laddoos along with coins to her mother-in-law and seeks her blessings. In Punjab and Jammu Kashmir, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by the name of Lohri.

During Makar Sankranti, many kinds of fairs are organized in the entire country as a part of celebration and fun. One of the most popular fairs of India is held in Ganga Sagar, West Bengal. In Prayag, Allahabad, people enjoy and participate in a month-long ‘Magh’ mela or fair. This year first ‘Sahi Snan’ of Magh mela and ‘Punya Snan’ will be on 14^th January 2021. Other important dates are as under-

Paush Shukla Ekadashi – 24-01-2021

Paush Poornima 28-01-2021

Magh Krishna Chaturthi 01-02-2021

Magh Krishna Ekadashi 07-02-2021

Mauni Amavashya 11-02-2021

Kumbha Sankranti 12-02-2021 and 13-02-2021

Magh Shukla Panchami 16-02-2021

Magh Shukla Saptami 19-02-2021

Maghee Poornima 27-02-2021

Maha Shivratri 11-03-2021

Magh Mela will be celebrated till 27^th February 2021.

Though Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of the country by observing different kinds of rituals, the spiritual, religious and social significance of this holy day remains the same everywhere.

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By:  Dr. Surendra Kapoor

Surendra Kapoor, is a leading light in the field of Vedic Jyotish, Vastu Shastra, Aura Reading, Naming Names, and Dream Interpretation.  He is a voracious reader, multi-linguistic and multitalented counsellor. He has been received several prestigious awards.