Makar Sankranti 2024: In Hinduism, Makar Sankranti is a major festival. Celebrated according to local traditions in various regions of India, this festival marks the day when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn during the winter solstice. Astrologically, it is the day when the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign. Makar Sankranti is calculated based on the solar calendar, and it signifies the transition of seasons, with days becoming longer and nights shorter.
In 2024, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15th. When the sun enters a new zodiac sign from another, it is referred to as "sankranti" in astrology. On this day, the sun transitions from the Sagittarius zodiac sign to the Capricorn zodiac sign.
Auspicious Muhurat for Makar Sankranti in 2024:
- Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal Muhurat: Morning 07:15 to Evening 05:46 (January 15, 2024)
- Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal: Morning 07:15 to Morning 09:00 (January 15, 2024)
Significance of Makar Sankranti:
Makar Sankranti holds great importance in India from a religious and cultural perspective. According to mythological beliefs, on this day, the sun god visits the home of his son, Saturn (Shani). Saturn is the ruler of the Capricorn zodiac sign, and the festival symbolises a unique father-son reunion. Another legend states that Lord Vishnu decapitated the demons on Earth on Makar Sankranti, signifying the victory of good over evil. The day is considered auspicious for taking a holy dip in water bodies, particularly mixing black sesame seeds and Ganga water.
Makar Sankranti is associated with various rituals and traditions, including the donation of items such as jaggery, grains, clothing, black sesame seeds, and khichdi, which are believed to bring prosperity. Taking a dip in water mixed with black sesame seeds and Ganga water is believed to remove planetary doshas from one's horoscope. The festival marks the shift of the sun's movement toward the northern hemisphere, leading to longer days.