When is Makar Sankranti in 2023: Date, history, significance and celebration of the Hindu festival, Deets here

India is the land of multiple cultures, religions, traditions, customs, and practices. Because of this, the country celebrates various festivals throughout the year, Makar Sankranti being one of them. Each year, on the 14th of January, India welcomes Makar Sankranti . For instance, this year, the Sun transits from Dhanu to Makara on January 15. Therefore, Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 15.

Makar Sankranti 2023 Punya and Maha Punya Kaal timings

Makara Sankranti Punya Kaal will be effective between 7:15 AM to 5:46 PM.

Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal will be between 7:15 AM to 9:00 AM.

India welcomes Makar Sankranti – the Harvest Festival. The festival signifies a change in season, as from this day the Sun begins its movement from Dakshinayana (South) to Uttarayana (North) hemisphere, marking the official end of winters. Both a religious occasion and a seasonal observance, the occasion also marks the sun’s transit into Makar Raashi (the Capricorn zodiac sign).

History and significance: The harvest festival is both a religious as well as seasonal observance and is dedicated to Surya whom the Hindu community believes to be the Sun God. Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transit into Makara (Capricorn) raashi (zodiac sign) and the festival is majorly celebrated in the Indian Subcontinent and also by the Hindus around the world. According to Hindu belief, if one dies on Makar Sankranti they are not reborn, but go straight to paradise.

Furthermore, the festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names – Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi in Punjab, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Maghi Sangrand or Uttarain (Uttarayana) in Jammu, Sakraat in Haryana, Sukarat in central India, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, etc.

Makar Sankranti rituals: Since Makar Sankranti is celebrated across the country, the traditions and rituals change from region to region. However, as stated above, the core remains the same and so does the inclusion of sesame in food preparations. In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is called Uttarayan. People fly kites and gorge on delicious sweets and savouries. In the east, people bathe in the holy waters at the confluence of Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, people celebrate Pongal, while in the North, Indians look forward to Lohri.

How is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
On this auspicious day, people take a holy dip at the confluence of the Jamuna and Ganga to purify their body and soul. Children fly kites while elders worship the sun god, ask for vigour in life, and also