India is a nation with diverse cultures. Not only do we follow different religions but also celebrate festivals differently. One such festival is Makar Sankranti, celebrated with great enthusiasm in not only our country but a few other countries too. Like every year, this year too, the Poush Sankranti 2024 will be celebrated on January 15. 

The festival is also known for the various fairs held on the days around it. Kumbha Mela is held every 12 years at Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Ujjain, or Nashik. Magha Mela is organized yearly at Prayag; Gangasagar Mela is held at the head of the Ganges River; Tusu Mela in Jharkhand & West Bengal; and Makara Mela is held in Odisha. 

Makar Sankranti 2024

The below table shows by what name the festival is known in different places. 

Also See: Paush Purnima Date

About Makar Sankranti 

Now, let us know about Makar Sankranti in detail. The festival is celebrated when Sun enters Makara, or say, the Capricorn sign, which as per the Solar Calendar, happens on January 14. We can also say that the Lord Sun is glorified on this day. Moreover, it has seasonal and religious significance too. Regarded as one of the most auspicious festivals, the Makar Sankranti concludes the winter season, also the advent of the new harvest season. This day is also the first day of the month of Magh. The Sun begins its northward journey, or say Uttarayan, as per Makar Sankranti date and time, because of which it is also called Uttrayan. Every 80 years, the day of Sankranti is shelved by a day to compensate for the difference due to the revolution of the earth around the Sun. 

History about Makar Sankranti 

It is said that the festival is named after Sankranti, a deity who killed the demon Sankarasur. Also, the Southern Hemisphere is where the Sun shines before Makar Sankranti date and time, after which it takes its journey towards the north. As per the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah held back his death for 51 nights until Uttarayan, so he could attain Mukti from his cycle of rebirth.

For Best Puja Timing See Today Shubh Choghadiya Muhurat

Dates and Importance of Makar Sankranti 2024

Makar Sankranti 2024 will fall on January 15, and the Makar Sankranti puja vidhi shall begin from 7:16 a.m. to 05:45 p.m. for the Punya kaal while the Maha Punya Kala, that is the time for the puja and holy bath shall be from 07:15 to 09:00 a.m.

The importance of Makar Sankranti marks a day of delight and prosperity. On this day, bathing in the Ganges is considered auspicious, and devotees worship Lord Sun and thank him for his blessings.

Know About: Rahu Kalam Timings Today

Makar Sankranti: Meaning of Punya Kaal

Punya Kaal is the short duration for which the Sun stays in both the rashis while transiting from one sign to another. Punya Kaal is considered an auspicious period as a person can garner the godsends of both the rashis. On the Poush Sankranti 2024, individuals should partake in activities such as Surya Puja, donations, charities, etc. The Makar Sankranti date and time for Punya Kaal, as per Muhurt Chintamani, is calculated as 16 Ghatis, which is approx 6 hours and 24 minutes from the Sankranti Moment, or if the Sankranti Moment happens after the sunset, it occurs after the sunrise. 

Know About: Today Gowri Panchangam

Conclusion

Do you also know that just like the Poush Sankranti 2024 which will fall on January 15 this year, there are 11 other times the festival of Sankranti is observed in a year in India, that is when the Sun transits from one zodiac to another? Whatever one’s religion shall be, Sankranti is a festival that keeps everyone bonded with one another, making it a very important festival in India.