Spirituality

Makar Sankranti 2024

Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, is a festival celebrated in various parts of India to mark the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign. But it’s not just about kites, sweets, and festivities – this day holds a treasure trove of spiritual wisdom.

In this sacred celebration, we delve into the timeless wisdom and spiritual teachings that this festival holds. Let’s explore the ancient wisdom, the rituals, and the spiritual symbolism that make Makar Sankranti.

The Legend of Makar Sankranti

Numerous legends are intertwined with this extraordinary holiday. Among them is a tale centered on Sankranti, the deity associated with the Sun’s movement and the energy it bestows. The narrative recounts how Sankranti vanquished a demon named Sankarasur on this particular day, giving rise to the celebration known as Makar Sankranti. The following day, Sankranti defeated the demon Kinkarasur, giving rise to the day referred to as Kinkrant or Karidin.

Why do we celebrate Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated to welcome the change in seasons and give thanks for the excellent harvest. People enjoy the warmth of the Sun and the longer days as winter turns into spring. It’s like a big, happy get-together with delicious food, sweets, and even colorful kites in some places to mark this special time of the year. So, in a nutshell, it’s all about celebrating nature, good food, and happiness!

How we celebrate Makar Sankranti

Sankranti, celebrated with diverse regional flavors across India, embodies the unity in diversity of the country. In the North, it’s called ‘Lohri’ in Punjab and ‘Khichdi’ in Uttar Pradesh, marked by bonfires and feasting. In Maharashtra, it’s ‘Makar Sankranti,’ where flying kites are a highlight.

In the South, ‘Pongal’ in Tamil Nadu and ‘Sankranthi’ in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are celebrated with colorful rangoli, sweet dishes, and prayers. The eastern states of West Bengal and Assam observe ‘Poush Parbon’ and ‘Bihu,’ respectively, with traditional dances and special rice delicacies. Each tradition, while different, shares the common thread of welcoming the harvest season with joy and gratitude.

The Spiritual Part

Celebrating Makar Sankranti spiritually means connecting with your inner self and the divine. You can do this by taking part in acts of kindness, meditating, and offering prayers. It’s a time to reflect on your life, express gratitude, and seek blessings for a fresh start. Lighting a diya (oil and clarified butter lamp) or performing acts of charity are also spiritual ways to celebrate. Essentially, it’s about finding peace, spreading love, and growing spiritually during this festive time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Makar Sankranti 2024

Bathing in Holy waters: As per the teachings in ancient Sanatana scriptures, taking a dip in the holy rivers during Makar Sankranti can cleanse us from our wrongdoings and bring us closer to spiritual salvation. The river bath is considered the most purifying during this auspicious time. On this special day, immersing yourself in the waters of the Ganges and sprinkling some of it around your home is believed to bring blessings. If you live far away from any water reservoirs, you can add a few drops of Ganga Jal in the water bucket, filled with water and have a bath with it.

Arghya: Arghya means a holy ritual to offer water to the Sun. On Makar Sankranti, a festival devoted to the Sun God, you can pray to Him in a unique way. Mix a pinch full of Kumkum (vermillion) and black sesame seeds in water and offer them to the Sun God. While doing this, recite Aditya Hridaya Stotra. By doing so, you shall receive blessings from Lord Surya, which could bring you wealth, fame, and strength.

Offering tribute to the ancestors: During Makar Sankranti, it’s a good practice to perform Tarpan, a kind of offering of waters, in memory of your ancestors. This helps prevent any negative influences related to ancestral karma. In ancient stories, it’s said that King Bhagirath did a similar ritual in the Ganges to bring peace to the souls of his forefathers. It’s a way to show respect and seek blessings for them in a spiritual way.

Charity: On Makar Sankranti, it’s a nice tradition to help the less fortunate. Donating things like clothes, black sesame, jaggery, and Khichdi (rice with lentils) is considered highly auspicious, and it helps in repelling the adverse effects of the unfavorable stars in your horoscope.

Visit the temple: Light a lamp made with ghee (clarified butter) and oil in the temple or at home. This lamp represents the light within you. Chant the 108 names of Lord Surya with devotion, calling upon the divine energy of the Sun God. Also, read the Surya Chalisa, which is a beautiful prayer, offering homage to Lord Surya, the life giver on earth. These practices will help you to connect with the spiritual side of life and will guide you towards enlightenment, like following a bright path to a deeper understanding of the universe.

Don’ts during Makar Sankranti

During Makar Sankranti, it’s best to stick to pure and kind-hearted ways. Avoid eating foods like meat, garlic, and onions, as they are considered negative for this special day.

Also, be mindful of not mistreating or refusing help to poor or needy people, including beggars and Brahmins. Being unkind to them on this day is seen as wrongdoing. Instead, it’s a time to be positive and welcoming.

Drinking alcohol on Makar Sankranti can bring trouble to your life and affect your family’s happiness and well-being.

This day is about celebrating nature, so it’s wise to refrain from harming it by cutting down trees. It’s all about spreading love and positivity.

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