We are approaching the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti. This day marks the ending of the winter solstice, and there is renewed excitement for the start of the harvest season. This auspicious occasion is observed differently in different parts of India. This day symbolises the movement of the sun from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan and is celebrated with great fanfare. After Makar Sankranti, the days grow longer and the winter season departs.
When is Makar Sankranti 2022?
Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14 this year. This Hindu festival is celebrated across India with great zeal and enthusiasm by organising get-togethers and flying kites. People perform a holy dip in the Ganga (Ganga snan), donate, and prepare Makar Sankranti special delicacies such as Dahi Chuda, Khichri, and sweets made of Til or sesame, and jaggery on this day. People welcome the spring season on this day, which is also known as the start of the harvest festival.
Tithi of Makar Sankranti 2022
According to Drikpanchang.com, Makar Sankranti Punya Kala will begin at 02:43 PM to 05:45 PM, the duration will be of 03 Hours 02 Mins.
The Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala will begin at 02:43 PM and end at 04:28 PM, the duration will be 01 Hour 45 Mins.
Why do we celebrate Makar Sankranti?
This festival is held to honour Surya Devta, or the Sun God. Farmers all over India express their gratitude to the Sun God and wish for a good harvest. Makar Sankranti is known as ‘Uttarayan’ in Gujarat and Rajasthan; ‘Maghi’ in Haryana and Punjab; ‘Makaravilakku’ in Kerala.
History of Makar Sankranti
As per legends, Sankranti was a deity, who killed a demon called Sankarasur. In India, it is a date from when the sun begins to move north, as, before Makar Sankranti, the sun was shining on the southern hemisphere. The Hindus believe this period to be the uttarayan — or the period of auspiciousness. According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah had waited for the sun to be in uttarayan to embrace death.