Makar Sankranti 2024: 14 Things To Do On This Day To Reap Benefits
This year, Makar Sankranti falls on January 15, 2024. The sun, being the sole visible deity, continuously radiates energy, nurturing the inhabitants of the Earth.
Makar Sankranti 2024: Makar Sankranti is a festival dedicated to the worship of the sun. It is celebrated when the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign and marks the beginning of Uttarayan. This year, Makar Sankranti falls on January 15, 2024. The sun, being the sole visible deity, continuously radiates energy, nurturing the inhabitants of the Earth.
With the commencement of Uttarayan, the auspicious days for deities begin. On Makar Sankranti, performing 14 specific tasks is believed to please Goddess Lakshmi, dispel life's darkness, and accumulate boundless merits that never diminish.
14 Auspicious Tasks on Makar Sankranti:
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River Bathing: According to scriptures, on Makar Sankranti, the Ganga descended to Earth. Taking a dip in the Ganga or any holy river with black sesame seeds is believed to yield immense merits. Melas (fairs) are organized at the Ganga Sagar on this day.
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Feeding Cows Green Fodder: Cows are considered the abode of 33 crore deities. Feeding cows green fodder on Makar Sankranti is believed to bring prosperity.
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Benefits of Havan with Sesame Seeds: Using black sesame seeds in havans for Kaal (time) and white sesame seeds in Laxmi puja is said to bring quick financial gains. Havan with sesame seeds mixed in cow ghee on Makar Sankranti attracts Goddess Laxmi.
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Flying Kites: According to the Tamil Tannana Ramayana, Lord Rama initiated the tradition of flying kites. The kite flown by Lord Rama on Makar Sankranti reached the heavens. Flying kites symbolizes spending time in the radiance of the sun.
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Consuming Sesame Seeds and Jaggery: Sesame seeds are considered poverty-eradicators. Consuming sesame seeds and jaggery on Makar Sankranti brings vitality and enhances self-confidence.
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Donating: Donating black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, jaggery, and sindoor is believed to remove misfortune, and poverty. It is said to please Goddess Lakshmi.
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Offering Khichdi: On Makar Sankranti, a special offering of khichdi made with rice, lentils, vegetables, jaggery, and ghee is made. It is considered auspicious and pleasing to the nine planets.
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Tarpan for Ancestors: Performing tarpan (ritual of offering water to ancestors) on Makar Sankranti is believed to bring happiness to the ancestors and prosperity to the family.
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Puja for New Grains: The festival celebrates the arrival of the new harvest. Performing puja for agricultural tools, farm animals, and grains on this day is believed to express gratitude towards Lord Indra and the Sun.
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Initiating New Ventures: Beginning new ventures on Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious. It is believed to bring success and prosperity throughout the year.
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Worshiping Surya and Shani Dev: Performing worship for Surya (Sun) and Shani (Saturn) on Makar Sankranti is considered significant. It is believed that such worship brings career advancement and alleviates hardships.
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Lakshmi Puja with This Method: After bathing and offering 14 crore kaudiyas (small shells) soaked in Ganga water, chant the mantra "Om Sankratyaye Namah" 14 times. Place a ghee lamp near Tulsi and another sesame oil lamp at the main entrance. This is said to attract Goddess Lakshmi.
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Mantra for Desired Results: To achieve desired results on Makar Sankranti, chant the mantra "Om Hreem Hreem Suryaya Sahasrakiranaraya Manovanchhit Phalam Dehi Dehi Swaha" 108 times.
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Purchase a Broom: Buying a broom on Makar Sankranti is believed to keep Goddess Lakshmi pleased, ensuring prosperity in the household.
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