Lifestyle / Science · January 10, 2023

Importance of Makar Sankranti In the Hindu Calendar 2023

Every year, most Hindus around the world celebrate Makar Sankranti. This traditional Hindu festival marks the beginning of winter and is celebrated with great fanfare in India and other parts of South Asia. As the name implies, it’s celebrated on a specific day of the Hindu calendar. Makar Sankranti’s 2023 date falls on Wednesday, January 14th.

But what does this festival signify? How does it relate to the Hindu tradition and what should you know about it if you want to join in celebrating? In this blog post, we will discuss Makar Sankranti’s importance in the Hindu calendar and how people typically celebrate it.

What is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the 14th of January every year and marks the beginning of the sun’s journey into Makara (Capricorn) Rasi. Makar Sankranti is also known as Maghi and is observed with great fervor in several parts of India.

The day is considered auspicious for Hindus and is believed to be an auspicious start to the new year. On this day, Hindus take a dip in holy rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, offer prayers to the sun god, Surya, and perform charity.

Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival and is celebrated with great gusto in rural India. Farmers offer thanksgiving prayers to God for a good harvest and exchange gifts with their loved ones. In some parts of India, Makar Sankranti is also celebrated as a festival of kites where people fly kites all day long.

What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?

In the Hindu Calendar 2023, Makar Sankranti falls on the 14th of January every year and marks the beginning of the sun’s transit into the Makara (Capricorn) Rashi from the Kumbha (Aquarius) Rashi. Makar Sankranti is thus, also known as the ‘Makara Sankranti’. The day is significant as it marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring.

It is believed that on this day, the sun begins its journey northwards (Uttarayanam), signifying hope and new beginnings. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of India with different names and customs. In some regions, people take a dip in holy rivers like the Ganga or Yamuna to mark the occasion while others fly kites to enjoy the strong winds that herald the change in season.

The day is considered auspicious for undertaking new ventures and starting new projects. Wearing new clothes and exchanging sweets and snacks with family and friends are some of the other popular traditions associated with Makar Sankranti.

When is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that falls on the 14th of January every year. The day marks the beginning of the sun’s journey into the Northern Hemisphere (Makara), which is considered auspicious by Hindus.

It is celebrated in various ways across India, but some of the most common traditions include flying kites, offering prayers to the sun god, and taking holy dips in rivers. Makar Sankranti is also a time for exchanging gifts and sweets with loved ones.

This festival has great significance in the Hindu calendar as it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is also believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu took his first step on earth during the Chaitra Navratri.

Read: Learn Vedic Astrology Online from – Institute of Vedic Astrology

How is Makar Sankranti celebrated?

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated in many parts of India. The day marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its journey toward the north. Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayan and is considered to be the first day of the solar month of Magha.

On this day, Hindus offer prayers to the sun god Surya and take holy dips in rivers. They also exchange gifts and prepare special dishes like sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery. In some parts of India, kite flying is a popular activity on Makar Sankranti.

The celebrations of Makar Sankranti vary across different regions of India. However, the underlying significance remains the same – it is a day to thank the sun god for bestowing his blessings upon us, and to pray for a prosperous year ahead.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti is an important day in the Hindu calendar, celebrated annually with enthusiasm and traditional customs. The date for Makar Sankranti 2023 has been announced as January 14th. It marks the beginning of a new year in India’s solar calendar. As well as marking the start of springtime, this festival also symbolizes renewal, joy, and love between family members and friends. Whether you are celebrating with your own traditions or by joining others to observe this special day, we hope that it brings lots of happiness to your home!

Also Read more about Today Panchangam, and more about it.