Sun entering the Capricorn sign is known as Makar Sankranti. In the year 2024, Sun will enter the tropic of Capricorn on 14 / 15 January. In south India, the Tamil year begins from this date. This festival is known as “Thai Pongal” in South India. Sindhi people call this festival as “Tirmauri”. This festival is known as “Makar Sankranti” in North India and “Uttarayan” in Gujarat. Other names of this festival are as follows: Lohri(13th January) in Punjab, Uttarayani in Uttarakhand, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Kerala, Khichadi Sankranti in Garhwal.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankrati, bathing in Haridwar, Kashi and other spiritual sites have a great significance. Lorn Sun is worshipped on this day. While worshipping sun, Shwetark and flowers of blood color are significant.
Significance of Donation on Makar Sankranti
The value of doing charity on the day of Makar Sankranti is much more significant as compared to other days. This day one should possibly donate food, Til(sesame), jaggery to poor people. Donating Til, sweet(ladoo) of Til, or other eatables made of Til is considered as auspicious work. Everyone should do charity on the day of Makar Sankranti as per their potency.
Historical Significance of Makar Sankranti
There are various historical facts related to the celebration of Makar Sankranti. Lord Ashutosh blessed Lord Vishnu with a wisdom of soul. Capricorn is a sign of Saturn. On the day of Makar Sankranti, sun enters into the sign of Saturn.Sun God is the father of Saturn. . From this day the doors of Heaven are opened, so people celebrate the auspicious occasion. The days of devas also begun from this day onwards. According to religious scriptures, Sun in Dakshiyana is known as the nights of Devas and Uttarayana are called days. The period of Uttarayana and Dakshinayan is of 6 months each.
In the era of Mahabharata, Bhishma Pithama had a blessing of wish death. Although lying on the bed of arrows, he did not sacrifice his life in the Dakhsinayan, and waited for the Sun to go in Uttarayan. It is believed that on the day of Makar Sankranti, when sun entered in the Uttarayan, Bhishma Pithama, discarded his body.
According to the religious scripture, on this day Gods and pilgrimages reside in water. So, on these days, bath should be taken in river or scared pool. The weather starts changing from the day of Makar Sankranti. This is the reason behind shortening of nights and lengthening of days. Summer season begins due to the movement of Sun towards northern hemisphere
Sun Uttarayan Festival
Sankranti is known as the period when Sun enters into another sign. Hence, Sun entering into Capricorn sign is known as Makar Sankranti. It is believed that all the gods and goddess visit the earth during this period. Souls get salvation. Doing charity and religious work have utmost significance and considered to be an important part of this day. Donating rice, til and jaggery are considered to be very auspicious and significant after taking bath in holy water.
Til is used on a large scale in the recipes of Makar Sankranti. The aroma of the items made of Til could be felt everywhere on the day of Makar Sankranti. Eating and donating Til on this day is considered auspicious. Massage of Til, using Til oil, bath of mixture of water and Til, drinking the mixture of Til and water, Til-Havan, eating and donating the items of Til, reduce the sins and increase the auspicious fruits.