Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular Hindu festivals that is celebrated throughout the country. In 2021, Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 14. The day is associated with happiness, prosperity and charity. It is also the time when people across the country prepare delicacies such as ladoos made of gur or jaggery and til or sesame. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, this festival is celebrated as Uttarayan and people hold kite-flying competition.
Every state celebrates Makar Sankranti in its unique way. In Punjab and Haryana, Makar Sankranti is known as Maghi. In Kerala, the festival is known as Makaravilakku. In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is called Pongal. As per religious texts, it is believed that sun god comes to meet his son Saturn on Makar Sankranti.
Makar Sankranti is also observed with much zest and fervour in West Bengal and Odisha. In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is known as Poush Sankranti and people prepare various desserts like pathisapta, pithe etc with rice and palm jaggery.
It is believed that donating on Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan brings good luck. This day is also considered as an auspicious time to start new work. However, there are many things that we should avoid on Makar Sankranti.
- On Makar Sankranti, one should avoid any kind of intoxication such as alcohol, cigarettes, gutka etc.
- If you have buffalo or cow at home, do not milk them.
- Onion, garlic and meat should not be consumed.
- Do not use abusive or angry words.
- Avoid food before bath.
- If a beggar or monk comes to your home do not let them go empty-handed.
Things you should do on Makar Sankranti:
- Bathing the Ganges is considered extremely auspicious on this day. People from all over the country reach to bathe in the Ganges. If you cannot go to the Ganges, then take bath at home by adding Ganga water.
- Offer water to the Sun God after bath as it brings happiness in life.
- Worship Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Maa Lakshmi for prosperity.
- Donating on Makar Sankranti brings good luck. Donate, jaggery, till, aata, pulses, ghee, etc. to the poor and needy.
- Cook rice with jaggery and khichdi for lunch.
Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated as the harvest festival, marks the arrival of the spring season. While there is a lot of confusion on when Makar Sankranti is celebrated. Whether it is on January 14 or 15. Let me tell you then, the special festival this year will be observed on January 14.
