Makar Sankranti 2023: Tithi, Significance and Different Ways it is Celebrated in India

Table of Content

1. Significance of Makar Sakranti Festival
2. Different Ways Makar Sakaranti is Celebrated across India

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn and the start of Uttarayan. The period when the days become longer and the nights become shorter.

This festival has deep spiritual significance for Hindus and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India, where it has different meanings and is often celebrated in different ways. The important rituals associated with Makar Sankranti festival is visiting the holy water bodies like Ganga and flying kites.

This activity signifies the victory of good over evil and the beginning of a new and prosperous phase in life. Every year it is celebrated on the 14th of January but in leap years it is observed on the 15th.

Significance of Makar Sakranti Festival

Makar Sankranti festival is observed to celebrate the prosperous transition of the Surya Devta. The sun's transition into Makara Rashi is considered highly auspicious and marks the end of winter in India. Makar Sankranti is a seasonal and religious event that is loved by all. 

The tithi for Makar Sankranti festival in 2023 is said to be observed on the 14th of January, as 2023 is not a leap year. Taking a dip in the holy water bodies of India on this day is considered highly auspicious; it is one way for the deity to showcase their gratitude and thank the lord for the warmth. 

Different Ways Makar Sakaranti is Celebrated across India

India is a land of festivals and Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular festivals celebrated across the length and breadth of the country. Though the festival is known by different names in different regions, the spirit of Makar Sankranti remains the same. Here’s how various states observes this day:

Makar Sakaranti in Maharashtra

Makar Sankranti festival is a prominent festival for the people of Maharashtra, as it marks the beginning of the harvest season. On this day, people offer prayers to the Sun God and thank him for his blessings. They also exchange sweets and greetings with each other.

Makar Sankranti celebrations in Maharashtra are incomplete without flying kites. People of all ages enjoy flying kites on this day. The sky is filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. 

This is a sight to behold!

Another specialty of Makar Sankranti festival celebrations in Maharashtra is Tilgul Ghya! This is a tradition where people offer tilgul (sesame seeds) and jaggery to their friends and relatives as a gesture of goodwill and love.

Makar Sakaranti in Gujarat

Gujrat is amongst the best places to witness the thrill and excitement of this airy festival. It is also observed as one of the best states to craft extravagant kites. A special dish called 'Undhiyu' is prepared on this day, which is a mix of various vegetables cooked in earthen pots. Folk dances and songs are also an integral part of the celebrations. Gujrat offers the exact vibe and zest as their vibrant and enormous kites. 

Makar Sakaranti in Kerala

In Kerala, the festival is celebrated as 'Uttarayanam' and is considered to be one of the most important festivals of the state. On this day, people take a holy dip in the rivers and offer prayers to the Sun God. They also exchange gifts and sweets with each other.

The traditional dish of the state 'Payasam' is also prepared on this occasion and distributed among friends and relatives. The celebrations continue for two days, and people enjoy flying kites and participating in various cultural programs.

Makar Sakaranti in Karnataka

The celebrations begin a few days before Makar Sankranti festival and continue three days after the festival in Karnataka. People wake up early and take a holy dip in rivers or lakes. This is followed by offering prayers to Sun God and participating in special pujas and yagnas. Families get together and feast on delicious food made with newly harvested crops. Sweet dishes made of jaggery and til are specially prepared on this day.

People also exchange gifts and greetings with friends and relatives. Flying kites is another popular activity on Makar Sankranti, which signifies letting go of all negativity and embracing the little positivity into something significant. 

Makar Sankranti festival has deep historical and cultural significance, and different parts of the country celebrate the day uniquely. We hope this blog has helped you understand the importance of Makar Sankranti and provided you with some insight into where to celebrate the breezy festivity this year. Also, don't forget to mention which state's Makar Sankranti celebration style you liked the most in the comment section below. 

We will be back with the next blog soon, till then, stay tuned! 

Happy Makar Sankranti!

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