Makar Sankranti is one of the widely celebrated Hindu festivals, which celebrates the Sun’s journey northwards, a phase known as Uttarayan. This shift marks the entry of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar), bringing longer and brighter days after the cold and dark winter months.
Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival celebrated in most of India by the Hindu population. It is observed on or near January 14 of each year.
Unlike most Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, which means it falls on the same date every year i.e., 14th January.
Makar Sankranti holds importance in various cultures and traditions. For farmers, Makar Sankranti is a celebration of the harvest season. It’s a time to thank the Sun, nature, and the land for their bounty. Spiritually, it’s believed that taking a holy dip in rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari on this day washes away sins and brings blessings. More so, donating food, clothes, or money on this day is also considered highly auspicious.
