Every year on the 14th of January, Hindus observe Makar Sankranti. From feasting to kites and bonfires, this festival is celebrated in various ways throughout India. Find out what you should know about this important holiday in this article!
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the beginning of the sun's journey into the Northern Hemisphere. It typically falls on January 14th and is observed by Hindus all over the world.
The name Makar Sankranti comes from the Sanskrit words Makara (meaning "Capricorn") and Sankranti (meaning "transition"). It marks the end of the month with the winter solstice (which in India is known as Shishira) and the start of the month with the sun's entry into north-eastern Capricorn (called Makara).
Makar Sankranti is considered to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great fanfare all across India. People dress up in traditional clothes, exchange sweets, and gifts, and engage in various festive activities. For many Hindus, Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of a new year and is thus considered an auspicious day to start new ventures.
Observances of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that falls on the 14th of January every year. The festival is celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal. It is also known as Makara Sankranti or Maghi.
The main attractions of Makar Sankranti are the flying kites and the special food items prepared for the occasion. In some parts of India, Makar Sankranti is also celebrated as a harvest festival.
On this day, people take holy dips in rivers and offer prayers to the sun god. They also exchange tills (a type of sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery) and visit each other's houses.
Origins of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti has been mentioned in Hindu scriptures like the Rigveda and Puranas and is believed to have been observed since prehistoric times. The Rigveda mentions it as a winter solstice when the sun was in Capricorn, while the Puranas describe it as a time when the sun enters Makara (Capricorn).
The word ‘Sankranti’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Sankramana’, which means ‘transit’. Makar Sankranti celebrates the transition of the sun from Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makara). This day also marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. In some parts of India, Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayan or Maghi.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in many parts of India with great enthusiasm. People take a dip in holy rivers, and offer prayers to the sun god, In some regions, kite flying is also a popular activity on this day. Download and share your Makar Sankranti pictures and videos with a click. Brands.live lets you download and share in 10 seconds.
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