As the sun begins to move towards the north, bringing longer days and warmer nights, India prepares to celebrate the joyous and festive occasion of Makar Sankranti. This auspicious Hindu harvest festival marks an important turning point in the astronomical and agricultural cycles. It is celebrated across India to honour Lord Surya, the Sun God, as the sun enters Makara (Capricorn). With the festival just around the corner, families eagerly await to celebrate Makar Sankranti this year, welcoming the long warm days, the bounty of the harvest, and a fresh new year. Explore the date and timings for Makar Sankranti in 2024 and the significance behind this beloved festival. Makar Sankranti 2024: Date and Muhurat Timings As 2024 is a leap year, the ancient Bikrami calendar that combines lunar and solar cycles celebrates Makar Sankranti on January 15th of the same year. The auspicious timing for Makar Sankranti, as per Drik Panchang, will start at 2:45 AM on January 15, 2024. The Punya Kala for Makar Sankranti will last from 7:15 AM to 8:07 PM, which is 10 hours and 31 minutes. The Maha Punya Kala will begin at 7:15 AM and end at 9 AM. History and Significance Behind Makar Sankranti: In Hindu mythology, it is said that Sankranti was a deity who defeated a demon named Sankarasur on the day after Makar Sankranti, which is known as Karidin or Kinkrant. Similarly, Devi killed the villain, Kinkarasur. The festival of Sankranti holds deep spiritual significance. To seek blessings for good health and a bountiful harvest, devotees perform Sankranti rituals such as taking holy dips in rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna to symbolise the washing away of sins and the start of a fresh year, offering Naivedhya (a food offering to Lord Surya), contributing to charity or Dakshina to represent the desire for people to live in peace and harmony, and performing Shraddha rituals. Marked by diverse names across India, Makar Sankranti is more than a spiritual festival but also a celebration of new beginnings, a time to express gratitude for the harvest, and a reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and humankind. Wishing all our readers a very happy Sankranti 2024!
