Google trend - Makar Sankranti 2024

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in India, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar). It is observed on the 14th of January every year, but in 2024, it will be celebrated on the 15th of January. This festival holds great significance in Hindu culture and is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm throughout the country.

The festival of Makar Sankranti is closely associated with the harvest season, as it marks the beginning of longer days and the end of the winter solstice. It is considered an auspicious time for farmers as they start harvesting their crops. The festival symbolizes the abundance and prosperity that comes with a good harvest.

One of the most important traditions of Makar Sankranti is the flying of kites. People of all ages participate in kite-flying competitions, filling the sky with vibrant and colorful kites. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. The sky becomes a spectacle of colorful kites, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and laughter.

Another significant aspect of Makar Sankranti is the preparation and consumption of special delicacies. One such delicacy is 'tilgud' or 'til laddoo,' which is made from sesame seeds and jaggery. It is believed to provide warmth and energy during the winter season. Other traditional dishes like 'pitha' (a sweet rice cake), 'khichdi' (a savory rice and lentil dish), and 'gajar halwa' (carrot pudding) are also prepared and shared with family and friends.

Makar Sankranti is not just a festival of harvest and kite-flying; it also holds immense religious and spiritual significance. It is believed that on this day, the sun god, Surya, visits his son, Shani (the planet Saturn), who is in the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Devotees take holy dips in rivers, especially the Ganges, to cleanse themselves of sins and seek blessings. They offer prayers and perform rituals to honor the sun god and express gratitude for the bountiful harvest.

In different parts of India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with unique regional customs and traditions. In the state of Gujarat, people participate in a special dance form called 'Garba' and create intricate patterns called 'rangoli' using colored powders. In Maharashtra, a game called 'Haldi-Kumkum' is played, where married women exchange turmeric and vermilion as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as 'Pongal' and is celebrated with the cooking of a special dish called 'Pongal' made from newly harvested rice.

Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings people together, regardless of their caste, creed, or social status. It is a time of joy, unity, and gratitude. Families and friends come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share meals. The festival also promotes social harmony and strengthens community bonds.

In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is a time of harvest, kite-flying, and religious rituals. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy throughout India, with each region adding its own unique customs and traditions. Makar Sankranti 2024 will undoubtedly be a time of immense celebration and togetherness.