Sankranti Dates

Significance Of Makar Sankranti

Out of the twelve Sankranti days, the 'Makar Sankranti' is of the most significance and it is widely celebrated in every part of India.

Makar Sankranti popularly known as Sakrat or Sankranti is a very significant festival in Hinduism and is devoted to the Sun deity. It is also popularly known as Uttarayan as during this period, the Sun transits into the northernmost hemisphere.

It is believed that Makar Sankranti is observed on the same day each year, January 14, as it is determined in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. However, there lies the exception of a few years when it is observed on the next day i.e. January 15.

It is a four-day festival celebrated in Southern India. On this day, devotees perform Sankranti Puja rites and traditions. This day is considered ideal for charity. However, this day should be avoided to perform any auspicious events.

The occasion of Makar Sankranti reflects a holy period of transition. It is believed that the inauspicious period which started in the mid December ends with the arrival of Makar Sankranti. One can perform the pious rituals as well as auspicious events from the next day of Sankranti.

In different sections of the country, Makar Sankranti is known by different names. It is called Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Maghi in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.

In Northern India and the state of Gujarat, on this day, sweets and snacks are prepared at home and devotees fly kites. Makar Sankranti ushers in a new era of life marked by wisdom, purity, and knowledge.