Makar Sankranti 2023: Makar Sankranti is considered a day of good fortune and prosperity by Hindus. Taking a dip in the Ganges on this day is believed to bring good luck. Pious people also pay homage to the sun god and express gratitude for blessing us with his warm and bright rays.
Sankranti, from whom the festival takes its name, is believed to be the god who slayed the demon Sankasur. The day after Makar Sankranti, called Kalidin or Kinkranti, Devi killed the villain Kinkalasar. It is also the time when the sun begins to rise northward. The sun shines in the southern hemisphere before Makar Sankranti. Hindus believe this time to be auspicious and known as the Uttarayana or winter solstice. According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitama was waiting for the sun to stand in Uttarayana and accept death.
Highlights
Significance of Makar Sankranti 2023
Known as one of the most popular festivals among Hindus, Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughout India. This festival is celebrated in the month of Muriga Sirsha when the sun enters Capricorn. This year the festival will be held on January 14th. For those who don’t know, this festival is dedicated to Lord Surya. People observe this festival to celebrate the harvest season and thank Lord Surya for bringing productivity to their farmland.
The festival is usually celebrated by bathing in water, offering various things to Lord Surya and Shani, and flying a kite. However, there are many other things to keep in mind when celebrating this festival. Simply put, certain things should be done and avoided.
Makar Sankranti 2023 Date and Time
Makar Sankranti for the current year that is 2023 falls on Saturday, January 14, 2023, according to the very reliable Panchang. To add, the Makar Sankranti Punya Kala timings are from 02:43 pm to 05:45 pm. The duration is 3 Hours, 2 Mins. The timings for The Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala are 02:43 pm to 04:28 pm. Lastly, the Makara Sankranti timing as per Panchang is 02:43 pm.
Activities to practice at Makar Sankranti 2023
One has to bathe in the Ganges and offer Argya to Lord Surya.
Blessings should be sought from Goddess Ganga and Lord Surya. If you bathe in different rivers, ask the same river for blessings. This is done to thank the rivers, bodies of water and the sun for ensuring good productivity of the agricultural land.
Practices to avoid at Makar Sankranti 2023
Do not eat at Makar Sankranti without bathing.
Since the festival is about celebrating and appreciating nature, cutting down and pruning of trees and plants should be avoided.
Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, gutca and other addictive substances should be avoided.
Makar Sankranti 2023 FAQs
Q1. When is Celebrated Makar Sankranti 2023?
A. Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, 2023
Q 2. Why celebrate Makar Sankranti on 15th January?
A . We celebrate the Makar Sankranti on 15th January only during leap years.