Makar Sankranti Festival (A Festival of New Beginnings, New Resolutions and New Commitments)

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Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on the 15th of January (Friday) in 2016. Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti or Makara Sankrant is a highly auspicious Hindu festival celebrated in almost every part of India and Nepal. It is the first Hindu festival of the year and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya Dev (Sun God). It is a harvest festival celebrated differently in many cultural forms.

Makar Sankranti denotes neutralization of illusion by lighting inner glow. Makar Sankranti is also called a festival of thanksgiving. On this day, people appreciate each other, perform and pay homage to the Supreme Being for the support He extended throughout the year.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the transition of Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn of Makara rashi on its celestial path. This day also marks the arrival of spring in India which is celebrated traditionally. Sankranthi is one of the rare Indian festivals that falls on the same date every year in the Gregorian calendar (barring a few exceptions). It usually falls on the 13th or 14th or 15th of January. The Makar Sankranti date for 2016 is 15th of January (Friday).

On the day of Makar Sankranti Sun begins its northward movement in the Makar Rashi (Capricorn). As per Vedic astrology 15th January is a very rare and very auspicious day. The four day festivities of Makar Sankranti will begin on 14th Jan – 17th Jan 2016. Makar Sankranti has a profound spiritual significance and refers to a transitional phase where the Sun transits from the house of Sagittarius to the house of Capricorn. It is the festival of new beginnings, new resolutions and new commitments.

Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal Muhurta
2016 Makara Sankranti Phalam
Punya Kaal Muhurta = 07:18 to 12:47 (Duration = 5 Hours 29 Mins, Sankranti Moment = 01:35)
Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta = 07:18 to 09:08 (Duration = 1 Hour 49 Mins)

On the day of Makar Sankranti, Lord Surya is worshipped in the form of Nature Worship. The ritualistic bathing at the Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) in Allahabad is considered pious. People also take a dip in the waters of Ganges. This ritualistic bathing is believed to cleanse one’s sins and open the doors towards Moksha. The day time of Devas known as Uttarayana Punyakalam, which lasts for a period of six months starts with Makar Sankranti. This is an ideal time to do auspicious activities.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughout India by different communities in different ways (and in different names).

Area Celebrated As Dishes Special Events
Assam Bhogali Bihu
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Sankranti Chakinalu, Nuvvula Appalu, Katte Appalu, Madugulu, Bellam Appalu, kudumulu, Ariselu, Appalu dappalam Young girls feed the animals, birds and fish as a symbol of sharing.
Bihar and Jharkhand Makar Sankranti or Sakraat or Khichdi Khichdi, Dahi-chuda, Tilkut and Lai Worshiping and putting til (sesame seeds) into fire
Delhi and Haryana Sakraat or Sankranti Churma Brother of married woman visits her home with a gift
Goa Makar Sankranti Haldi-kumkum
Gujarat Uttarayan Undhiyu, Chikki Kite flying
Himachal Pradesh Magha Saaji Khichdi with Ghee and Chaas Ceremonial dips and shower
Karnataka Suggi Ellu-Bella, Sakkare Acchu Drawing rangoli in groups, Kite flying
Kerala (Celebrated at Sabrimala where the Makara Jyothi is visible) Makaravilakku celebrations
Uttarakhand (Kumaon) Makara Sankranti Khichadi Ceremonial dips in holy rivers, Uttarayani fairs, celebrate the festival of Ghughutia or Kale Kauva
Maharashtra Makara Sankranti Halwa, Til-Gul Laadoo, Gulachi Poli / Puran Poli, Tilgud Haldi-Kumkum, Worship of Goddess Saraswati
Odisha Sankranti Makara chaula, rasagola, Khai/Liaa and chhena puddings Celebrated with great enthusiasm, singing, dancing etc.
Punjab Maghi / Lohri Kheer

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