Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). It celebrates the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and gratitude for the harvest.

🕉️ Spiritual Significance

  • Makar Sankranti signifies the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayana), considered highly auspicious.
  • It marks the harvest season, a time to thank the Sun God and nature for the bounty.
  • The festival promotes spiritual awakening, prosperity, and harmony.
  • Symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

📅 When is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?

  • Celebrated annually on January 14th or 15th, depending on the solar calendar.
  • Observed across India with regional variations and customs.

🙏 Makar Sankranti Puja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)

🛕 1. Preparation

  • Clean and decorate the puja area with rangoli, flowers, and mango leaves.
  • Set up an altar with pictures or idols of Surya (Sun God) and Lord Vishnu.

🪔 2. Puja Samagri (Items Needed)

  • Idol or image of Surya Dev (Sun God)
  • Flowers (especially marigold and yellow flowers)
  • Incense sticks, diya (oil lamp), camphor
  • Turmeric, kumkum, rice grains
  • Seasonal fruits, sesame seeds, jaggery (gur), sugarcane
  • Panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)
  • Water in a copper vessel

🌺 3. Worship Rituals

  • Begin by taking a holy bath early morning.
  • Light the diya and incense sticks.
  • Offer prayers to Surya Dev by chanting:

“Om Suryaya Namah”
“Gayatri Mantra” or “Adityah Namah”

  • Offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and seasonal fruits as prasad.
  • Perform Arghya (offering water to the Sun) by facing east and pouring water slowly while chanting mantras.
  • Recite relevant Vedic hymns or Sankranti prayers.
  • Distribute sweets made of jaggery and sesame (til-gur), symbolizing warmth and bonding.

🌟 Benefits of Makar Sankranti Puja

  • Invokes the blessings of the Sun God for health, energy, and prosperity.
  • Marks a fresh start with positive energy and spiritual growth.
  • Enhances familial bonds through the sharing of sweets and greetings.
  • Encourages environmental harmony and gratitude for nature’s gifts.

🎉 Cultural Celebrations

  • Kite flying is popular in many regions symbolizing the joy of the festival.
  • Special delicacies made from sesame seeds and jaggery are prepared.
  • Community feasts and fairs are common.
  • Pilgrimage and holy dips in rivers like the Ganges are performed.