Makar Sankranti 2024: Is Sankranti On 14th Jan Or 15th Jan? When Will Be Celebrated In India?

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Makar Sankranti, also known as Maghi, is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn (Makara). Celebrated annually on January 14th or 15th, it holds significant cultural, religious, and social importance in India. The festival signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days as the sun's northern movement reaches its maximum.

On this day the Sun becomes Uttarayan. It also symbolizes the change in seasons and also indicates the beginning of auspicious works.

While in North India it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti, in South India this festival is celebrated as Pongal, and in Assam as Bihu. On this day, the Sun God comes out of Sagittarius and enters Capricorn. On this day, there is a special tradition of worshiping of Sun God, donating, and eating Khichdi. Let us know on which day Makar Sankranti will be celebrated in the year 2024.

When Is Makar Sankranti 2024? Date And Time
According to the calendar, this time the festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on 15 January. On this day, Sun God will move out of Sagittarius and transit into Capricorn at 02:54 am. Makar Sankranti Punyakaal is from 07:15 am to 06:21 pm and Makar Sankranti Maha Punyakal is from 07:15 am to 09:06 am.

Significance Of Makar Sankranti
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, it is very auspicious to take a bath in the river, observe fast, do charity, and worship Lord Surya. If a person donates light for Shani Dev on this day, he can get immense benefits. On the occasion of Sankranti, ancestors are meditated upon and offerings are also made to them.

In UP, Punjab, Bihar, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, this day is also celebrated as the day of harvesting of new crops. Eating sesame, jaggery, and khichdi has special significance on the day of Makar Sankranti. There is also a tradition of flying kites on this day in many parts of the country.

Makar Sankranti Puja Method
This year Makar Sankranti is on 15 January and puja will also be performed on this day. On this day, wake up early in the morning clean the house and temple, and purify it with Ganga water.

If possible, take bath in the holy river on this day. If this is not possible, then mix a few drops of Ganga water in water and take bath at home. Wear clean clothes on this day. Wearing yellow-colored clothes is considered auspicious. On this day there is a ritual to worship Lord Surya. You offer Arghya to the Sun God. After this, recite Surya Chalisa and Aditya Hridaya Stotra. After this perform Aarti. Donating on the day of Makar Sankranti brings many times the virtue. On this day, you should give donations as per your capacity.