Kite flying and sesame sweets are two of Makar Sankranti’s specialties. However, this festival is much more than just a commemoration of Winter Solstice. The importance of this festivity of movement is examined by Sadhguru, who reveals how it is founded on a profound knowledge of cosmic and physical geometry.

In India, Makar Sankranti is regarded as a highly significant occasion. Translated as “movement,” Sankranti. Everything that we understand as life is in motion. Have no concerns about this because, fortunately, those who came before us have gone on, and those who will follow us are ready for us to move on.

The planet churns up life because it is in motion. It wouldn’t be full of life if it were still. Every living thing participates in what is known as movement, yet if movement is required; it must be contained and can only occur in the presence of stillness.

A person will inevitably become lost in the movement if they do not experience the quiet of their existence, the stillness of their being, or have not experienced the calm inside and outside themselves.

Movement is only mildly enjoyable at first. It is merely changing seasons, yet the land is shifting in a lovely way. Tomorrow, if it simply picks up speed or throttles a little bit, our thoughts will become unbalanced and spiral out of control. So, up until a certain point, movement is merely lovely. Movement becomes agony once it reaches that stage.

Makar Sankranti History

As a Deity, Sankranti is honored. According to a myth, Sankranti slew the devil Sankarasur. Karidin or Kinkrant is the name of the day that follows Makar Sankrant. Devi slew the wicked Kinkarasur on this day. Panchang has Makar Sankranti information accessible. The Hindu Almanac, or Panchang, details Sankranti’s age, form, attire, direction, and movement.

The DrikPanchaang states that the period between Makar Sankranti & 40 Ghatis (approximately 16 hours for locations in India if we estimate 1 Ghati to be 24 minutes) from Makar Sankranti is said to be favorable for auspicious activities. Punya Kaal is a period that lasts for forty Ghatis. Punya Kaal is the appropriate time to undertake Sankranti rites such as bathing, presenting Naivedhya (food presented to a god) to Lord Surya, giving charity or Dakshina, breaking the fast or Parana, and doing Shraddha ceremonies.

All Punya Kaal events are postponed till the following Sunrise if Makar Sankranti falls after Sunset. As a result, only Punya Kaal activities should be carried out throughout the day.

Makar Sankranti Significance

The beginning of the Sun’s northward trek is Makar Sankranti. The Dakshinayan is the time between Karka Sankranti and Makar Sankranti.

Following Hindu texts, Lord Vishnu vanquished the horror brought on by demons on the occasion of Makar Sankranti by cutting off their heads & burying them behind a mountain, signifying the end of evil and the beginning of righteousness and good intent to live well and succeed.

Due to the abundance of “Chaitanya,” a term for “cosmic intelligence,” in the surroundings, today is a particularly favorable day for Sadhana, or spiritual exercise or meditation.

Makar Sankranti is observed under several names in various parts of the nation.

• Lohri, Day before Makar Sankranti, India enthusiastically celebrates Lohri, primarily in Haryana and Punjab. People congregate around the campfire at night and toss popcorn, til, and puffed rice onto the flames of the blaze. Prayers for wealth and abundance are presented at the campfire.
• Khichdi, or Festival of Donation: The focus is mostly on this holiday in Uttar Pradesh. The Magh fair begins on the day of Makar Sankranti and lasts for a full month at the Allahabad confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. In Uttar Pradesh, people fast on this fortunate day and then eat & offer Khichdi. Gorakhdham in Gorakhpur also hosts the Khichdi Mela.
• The Makar Sankranti event is referred to as Khichdi in Bihar. Giving out items like urad, grain, gold, woolen clothing, blankets, etc., has special significance on this day.
• On their first Sankrant, all married women in Maharashtra give salt, oil, and cotton to other married or suhagin women.
• On Makar Sankrant, it is customary in Bengal to give until after a bath. Every year, a sizable fair is also held at Gangasagar.
• In Tamil Nadu, this festival is observed as Pongal for four days in honor of Makar Sankranti.
• On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the kite festival is held in Gujarat.

You may now be aware of the origins and celebrations of Makar Sankranti. As a result, the Makar Sankranti celebration is significant in India. It is seen under different names in different States.

Morning customs

For a good and promising start to the day on the day of Makar Sankranti, it is advised in the ancient scriptures to rise immediately before daybreak and take a bath. After taking a shower, one must pray to the Sun by reciting the Gayatri Mantra and performing Argya, which involves giving the Sun water. Additionally, it is advised to add some sesame or til seeds to your bathwater.

Which Deity Is Worshiped During Makar Sankranti?

The Sun represents “Pratyaksha-Braham,” “a manifestation of the absolute,” awarding knowledge, divine light, and wisdom. While there are many stories about Makar Sankranti and its religious origins, it is a unique festival celebrated across the country where Surya, the Sun God, is worshiped and given thanks and prayers.

Festive Rituals

Food

Freshly produced food grains are consumed during Makar Sankranti after being first presented to the Gods. Khichdi is recommended as a meal since it is a simple and light one. Eating Khichdi is associated with getting the body ready to transition from the chilly winter air to the upcoming balmy Spring weather. The body thus becomes vulnerable to imbalances when the climate changes from dry chilly to shockingly warm. Thus, Khichdi is the ideal food to satiate hunger while giving the body the nutrients it needs.

Khichdi is prepared in a single pot with all the components, like freshly harvested rice, lentils, seasonal veggies, and spices, so it’s not only good for your health but also represents unity on Makar Sankranti. It denotes the cycle of life and renewal and the start of a new harvest year.

Kite Flying

When one thinks about Makar Sankranti, a picture of the lip-smacking sweets spread out on the terrace against the music of “Kai Po Che” nearly immediately comes to mind. Kite flying is one of Poush Sankranti’s most popular attractions, particularly in Gujarat.

The tradition of flying kites is thought to have originated from maintaining good health. The goal was to soak up the benefits of Vitamin D by exposing oneself to the first rays of the early morning summer sun.

Greetings from the AiDigitek family for a wonderful Makar Sankranti! Take time on this important occasion to reflect on the past, expel the bad, and make room for fresh light to fill your life with joy and cheerfulness.