Makar Sankranti will be celebrated tomorrow, i.e., on January 15 as the sun transits into the northern hemisphere and enters Capricorn. According to mythological beliefs, the Sun God visits his son Shani Dev at his home, on this day. Since Shani Dev is the ruler of the Capricorn zodiac sign, this day is known as Makar Sankranti, which is also referred to as Khichdi.
On Makar Sankranti, it is customary to worship Mother Ganga, Lord Surya, and Shani Dev. It is believed that taking a dip in the Ganges river cleanses a person of all sins. Also, performing rituals such as bathing, meditation, worship, chanting, and charity appeases Lord Surya and Shani Dev. In addition, carrying out donations is particularly considered auspicious on Makar Sankranti, as it is said to attract special blessings from Shani Dev.
Here are a few things that you can donate on this occasion:
Donation of Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds hold great significance on Makar Sankranti. It is advised to incorporate them into the day's rituals, starting with a bath infused with water containing these seeds. Furthermore, offerings to the Sun should also include water mixed with sesame seeds. Notably, black sesame seeds hold special favour with Shani Dev, and incorporating them into rituals is considered particularly auspicious. Specifically, donating black sesame seeds is believed to mitigate the impact of Shani Sade Sati or Dhayya, making it a meaningful and promising practice during this festival.
Donation of Blankets: Donating blankets on Makar Sankranti is highly regarded. As the day is chilly, contributing blankets to the needy is considered beneficial and also helps alleviate doshas associated with Rahu and Shani. Shani Dev favours black and blue, so donating blankets of these colours pleases him.
Donation of Seven Grains: To please Shani, it is advisable to donate seven types of grains on Makar Sankranti. This includes urad dal, rice, black lentils, pearl millet (bajra), and green gram with husk. Donating these grains in the evening is believed to invite blessings and relief from Shani doshas. In addition, providing these grains as charity to the impoverished also appeases Mother Annapurna.
Donation of Mustard Oil: Mustard oil is highly favoured by Shani Dev. Therefore, it is recommended to donate mustard oil on Makar Sankranti to seek his blessings. On this day, placing a lamp filled with mustard oil under a peepal tree in the evening is considered auspicious which promptly pleases Shani Dev.