Makar Sankranti 2024 will fall on January 15, Monday. The exact moment of Sankranti will be 2:45 AM, according to Drik Panchang.
Makar Sankranti is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the transition of the sun from the Southern hemisphere to the Northern hemisphere. Devotees celebrate Makar Sankranti to mark the transition of the Sun from Dhanu Rashi to Makar Rashi. People worship Lord Sun and seek his blessings for a good harvest season.
In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about Makar Sankranti 2024, including the date, time, significance, and celebration of this auspicious festival.
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What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is a solar event that occurs when the sun enters the makar or capricorn zodiac. It is one of the 12 Sankranti (or Sankranthi) days that are a part of the Hindu calendar. Sankranti, also known as Sankramanam, means transit and marks the transition of the sun into a new sign.
Makar Sankranti is one of the most important Sankranti days, as it signifies the beginning of a prosperous phase or the holy phase of transition. It also marks the end of the inauspicious phase, which starts in mid-December. All sacred rituals and auspicious ceremonies can be performed after Sankranti.
Makar Sankranti is known by different names in different regions of India. Some of the common names are:
- Uttarayan in Gujarat
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu
- Lohri in Punjab
- Maghi in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh
- Makara Vilakku in Kerala
- Magh Bihu in Assam
- Makaravilakku in Sabarimala
- Makara Sankramana in Karnataka
When is Makar Sankranti 2024 Drik Panchang?
Makar Sankranti 2024 will fall on January 15, Monday. The exact moment of Sankranti will be 2:45 AM, according to Drik Panchang. The timing of Sankranti may vary slightly depending on the location and the Hindu almanac.
The auspicious time for performing Sankranti rituals is known as Punya Kaal. The Punya Kaal Muhurat for Makar Sankranti 2024 will be from 7:14 AM to 12:36 PM. The most auspicious time within the Punya Kaal is known as Maha Punya Kaal. The Maha Punya Kaal Muhurat for Makar Sankranti 2024 will be from 7:14 AM to 9:02 AM.
What is Punya Kaal Muhurta?
The Punya Kaal Muhurta is the duration of 40 Ghatis (roughly 16 hours) from the time of Makar Sankranti, which is considered good for performing religious activities, such as taking a bath, offering food to the Sun God, giving charity, and breaking fast.
The Maha Punya Kaal Muhurta is a subset of the Punya Kaal Muhurta, which is even more auspicious and lasts for about 2 hours.
Makar Sankranti 2024 time citywise
The auspicious timings for Makar Sankranti vary from place to place, depending on the local sunrise and sunset times. Here are Makar Sankranti 2024 time for some major cities in India:
| City | Makar Sankranti Moment | Punya Kaal Muhurta | Maha Punya Kaal Muhurta |
| New Delhi | 03:24 AM | 07:18 AM to 06:01 PM | 07:18 AM to 09:10 AM |
| Mumbai | 03:24 AM | 07:14 AM to 06:23 PM | 07:14 AM to 09:06 AM |
| Kolkata | 03:24 AM | 06:44 AM to 05:28 PM | 06:44 AM to 08:36 AM |
| Chennai | 03:24 AM | 06:43 AM to 06:02 PM | 06:43 AM to 08:35 AM |
| Hyderabad | 03:24 AM | 06:49 AM to 06:01 PM | 06:49 AM to 08:41 AM |
| Bangalore | 03:24 AM | 06:47 AM to 06:11 PM | 06:47 AM to 08:39 AM |
History of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the sun’s transition from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn. It is also a harvest festival that marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the summer season. There are many stories and legends associated with the history of Makar Sankranti. Some of them are:
- According to one legend, Makar Sankranti originated as a celebration of the defeat of a demon named Sankarasur, who used to torture and kill humans. A goddess named Sankranti came to Earth and killed him, and hence the festival is named after her
- According to another legend, Makar Sankranti is related to the Mahabharata epic, where Bhishma Pitamah, who was wounded in the war, waited for this auspicious day to die and attain heaven. He chose this day because it is believed that anyone who dies on Makar Sankranti will not be reborn
- According to some historians, Makar Sankranti has its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization, where sun worship and fire rituals were common. The festival coincides with the winter solstice, which was an important astronomical event for the ancient people
- According to some astrologers, Makar Sankranti is based on the Hindu solar calendar, which is different from the lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated on a fixed date, which is January 14 or 15, depending on the leap year. The festival marks the sun’s entry into the makar or capricorn sign, which is considered auspicious for starting new ventures.
Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated for various reasons across India. Some of the common reasons are:
- It is a harvest festival that marks the arrival of spring and the bounty of nature.
- It is a thanksgiving festival that expresses gratitude to the Sun God for his blessings and energy.
- It is a festival of joy and happiness that celebrates the bond of family and friends.
- It is a festival of spirituality and devotion that honors the sacred river Ganga and other holy places.
- It is a festival of culture and tradition that showcases the diversity and richness of India.
How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. Some of the common ways are:
- Flying kites and enjoying the clear sky and the pleasant breeze.
- Taking a holy dip in the river Ganga or other sacred water bodies and performing Sankranti Puja.
- Offering prayers and donations to the poor and needy and performing charity deeds.
- Preparing and exchanging delicious sweets and dishes made of sesame seeds, jaggery, rice, and milk.
- Lighting bonfires and dancing and singing around them.
- Decorating houses and temples with colorful rangoli and flowers.
- Wearing new clothes and jewelry and exchanging greetings and gifts.
List of Sankranti 2024 Dates
Here is a list of all the 12 Sankranti dates in 2024, along with their names and timings:
| Date | Tithi | Time | Sankranti |
| January 15 | Sunday | 2:45 AM | Makar Sankranti |
| February 13 | Tuesday | 9:00 AM | Kumbha Sankranti |
| March 14 | Thursday | 3:32 PM | Meena Sankranti |
| April 13 | Saturday | 10:02 PM | Mesha Sankranti |
| May 14 | Tuesday | 4:29 AM | Vrishabha Sankranti |
| June 14 | Friday | 10:49 AM | Mithuna Sankranti |
| July 16 | Tuesday | 4:40 PM | Karka Sankranti |
| August 16 | Friday | 9:50 PM | Simha Sankranti |
| September 16 | Monday | 1:55 PM | Kanya Sankranti |
| October 16 | Wednesday | 4:06 AM | Tula Sankranti |
| November 15 | Friday | 5:12 PM | Vrischika Sankranti |
| December 15 | Sunday | 5:05 AM | Dhanu Sankranti |
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the sun, the harvest, and the culture of India. It is a festival that brings joy, prosperity, and peace to everyone. We hope this blog post has helped you understand the date, time, significance, and celebration of Makar Sankranti 2024. We wish you a very happy and blessed Makar Sankranti!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Makar Sankranti in 2024?
Answer: Makar Sankranti falls on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
What is the exact time of Makar Sankranti in 2024?
Answer: The exact time of Makar Sankranti varies depending on location due to differences in longitude. In Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the Makar Sankranti moment (Makar Sankranti Snan Muhurat) is predicted to occur at 06:22 AM IST on January 14, 2024.
What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?
Answer: Makar Sankranti marks the day the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makar Rashi) and is considered a holy day in Hinduism. It also marks the end of the harvest season and signifies new beginnings.
What are the traditions and rituals associated with Makar Sankranti?
Answer: Traditions and rituals vary across regions, but some common practices include taking a holy dip in rivers or ponds (especially the Ganges), offering prayers to the Sun God (Surya), preparing and sharing sweet dishes like tilkut and khichdi, decorating homes with rangolis, and flying kites.
What are some popular sweets and dishes consumed during Makar Sankranti?
Answer: Tilkut (made with sesame seeds and jaggery), khichdi (a savory porridge made with rice and lentils), pongal (South Indian dish similar to khichdi), puran poli (flatbread stuffed with sweet lentil filling), and sugarcane juice are some popular delicacies enjoyed during Makar Sankranti.
Is there any special significance of kites in Makar Sankranti celebrations?
Answer: Yes, kite flying is a major tradition associated with Makar Sankranti. Kites are believed to carry away negativity and bad luck, welcoming good fortune and prosperity in the new year.
Are there any regional variations in Makar Sankranti celebrations?
Answer: Absolutely! Makar Sankranti is celebrated with unique traditions and names in different parts of India. Popular regional names include Lohri (Punjab), Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Bihu (Assam), and Poush Mela (West Bengal).
What are some safety tips for kite flying during Makar Sankranti?
Answer: Kite flying can be dangerous if not done responsibly. Always fly kites in open areas away from power lines and buildings. Use strong but thin kite strings to avoid harming birds or people. Avoid using glass-coated strings that can cause serious injuries.
How can I make Makar Sankranti special for my family and friends?
Answer: You can host a Makar Sankranti potluck party featuring traditional dishes, organize a kite-flying competition, decorate your home with rangolis and flowers, or simply share the joy of the festival by exchanging greetings and good wishes.
Are there any online resources or events to learn more about Makar Sankranti?
Answer: Yes, there are numerous online resources like articles, videos, and blogs that provide detailed information about Makar Sankranti traditions, significance, and customs. Additionally, many cultural organizations and temples may host online events or workshops to celebrate the festival.