Sun will enter Sagittarius sign during Paush Sankranti. Paush Sankranti will begin on 16 December 2024, This Sankranti falls in the Paush month which is considered to be auspicious by Hindus. Taking a bath in Ganga-Yamuna is considered to be very important on this day. People are devoted and dedicated towards Lord on this day. Devotees take a bath in holy rivers since early morning. Devotees offer water to Lord Sun while taking a bath.
It is believed that doing this purifies the soul. It provides bliss and blessings. Gayatri Mahamantra and Surya mantra should be chanted on this day. This provides knowledge and intelligence. Sankranti begins with a parikrama of Lord Sun. Sweets are offered to the Lord on this day. These are also distributed among family members as Prasad.
Paush Sankranti Worship
Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped on Paush Sankranti. Satyanarayana katha is also organized on this day. Banana leaves, bananas, panchamrit, supari, pan, sesame seeds, red thread, sindoor, kumkum, durva etc. are used to worship Lord Satyanarayana. Panchamrit is prepared using milk, honey, bananas, ganges water and tulsi leaves. Prasad is also prepared in the same way. Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped once Satyanarayana katha is over. Goddess Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma are also worshipped. Prasad is distributed among devotees.
Paush Sankranti Importance
People take baths in holy rivers like Ganga on Paush Sankranti. People take such baths in Haridwar and other similar places. They believe that they are freed of any sins by doing so. Taking a bath in a holy river on Paush Sankranti is considered to be very important. Magh Snan (bath) begins with Paush Purnima. This is considered to be an auspicious occasion. It is believed that this festival fulfills all kinds of desires.
Pilgrimages, baths in holy rivers, worships and donations are considered to be very important on Paush Sankranti. Donations should be made on Sankranti, Purnima as well as Eclipses. People who are unable to go on a pilgrimage can worship the Lord in their home and make necessary donations. Vishnu Sahasranama should also be read this month. You should offer food to Brahmanas on Amavasya as well as Purnima. Sweets and clothes should also be offered. Following all these principles frees a person from all kinds of sins and fulfills all his desires.