Why Do We Celebrate Makar Sankranti? The Importance of Makar Sankranti - HOW2DO

Why do we celebrate Makar Sankranti? This ancient Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the start of longer days.

It is celebrated in different parts of India with various names and rituals, but the essence remains the same.

Celebrated on the 14th of January every year, Makar Sankranti is considered to be one of the most important festivals in India and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance and significance of Makar Sankranti, as well as its various rituals and traditions.

Why do we celebrate Makar Sankranti? This is a question that has been asked since ancient times, when Makar Sankranti was first celebrated in India.

Makar Sankranti is a festival that marks the end of winter and beginning of the spring season. It is celebrated throughout India with great fanfare, as it symbolizes hope, joy, and prosperity.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of Makar Sankranti and why it is still celebrated today.

What Is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated on January 14th every year.

This day marks the beginning of the sun’s transit into the Makara (Capricorn) rashi (zodiac sign).

 The festival is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in India as it signifies the arrival of spring season and the end of winter.

It is believed that this festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over evil, as it symbolizes the transition from darkness to light.

It also celebrates the transition of Sun God, Surya Deva, from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn.

So, why do we celebrate Makar Sankranti? It is an important occasion for Hindus as it is associated with various mythological stories.

People celebrate Makar Sankranti by exchanging sweets, making special dishes and offerings, flying kites, performing charity works and engaging in other festivities.

The most important aspect of Makar Sankranti is that it brings in positivity and hope in people’s life. It reminds us of the importance of living a healthy and righteous life.

People celebrate it with much joy and cheerfulness as it symbolizes prosperity and abundance. In addition to its religious significance, Makar Sankranti also marks a significant turning point in our agricultural cycle. It marks the beginning of harvesting season and farmers celebrate this festival by offering thanks to the gods for their blessings.

The significance of Makar Sankranti does not end here. It has a spiritual significance too. Makar Sankranti is a day when Hindus perform puja (rituals) to the deities and seek their blessings for a prosperous future. This day is also considered auspicious for weddings, housewarming ceremonies and other important occasions.

So, whether it is its religious, cultural or agricultural significance, Makar Sankranti is an important occasion that reminds us to live a meaningful life and to be thankful for all the blessings we have received.

The Scientific Reason behind Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is an important festival celebrated in India, which marks the beginning of the sun’s transition into the Makara or Capricorn zodiac sign. This transition is known as Uttarayana and it marks the end of the winter season.

Many celebrations are held around this period of time, such as flying kites, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers to the sun god. But why do we celebrate Makar Sankranti?

Scientifically speaking, Makar Sankranti marks a significant moment for India. It is the day when the sun enters the Makara or Capricorn zodiac sign and its rays are believed to have special healing and cleansing properties. This coincides with a period of time when days become longer than nights and marks the beginning of a new harvest season, making it an ideal time for celebration.

Makar Sankranti also has religious significance. It is believed that worshipping the sun god on this day will bring peace, prosperity and health to individuals and families.

Many temples dedicate special poojas and festivals to mark this event. In some parts of India, people take dips in holy rivers to wash away their sins and purify their souls.

Makar Sankranti also has social significance. It is a day when people come together to exchange gifts and sweets, feast on traditional foods and enjoy various festivities. This is an excellent way to promote communal harmony and strengthen social bonds.

Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in India. It celebrates the transition from one season to another and brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy its festivities.

As we celebrate Makar Sankranti, let us remember its scientific, religious, and social significance and revel in the joyous festivities.

The Historical Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India. It is celebrated every year on January 14th and marks the start of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy all over India, with each region having its own customs and rituals. But why do we celebrate Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti celebrates the sun’s movement from south to north, also known as Uttarayana. This period signifies the transition from the winter season to spring, symbolizing growth and renewal. It is believed that this is the best time for starting any new venture or project as it will reap greater rewards.

Makar Sankranti also has great historical significance. According to legend, the festival dates back to the age of the Mahabharata, when King Bhishma chose this day to depart from his body after being wounded in the Kurukshetra war. Other legends tell us that Lord Shiva advised his son Kartikeya to return to his home on Makar Sankranti after his battle with Tarakasura.

Facts of Makar Sankranti include the traditional exchange of til-gul (a type of sweet made of jaggery and sesame seeds).

In some regions, kites are flown to celebrate the day, while in others pujas (religious ceremonies) are performed. Whatever the region, this is a day for bonding with family and friends and expressing gratitude for what we have.

In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is an important part of Indian culture and traditions. The festival brings about good luck, prosperity, and blessings for everyone who celebrates it. Whether it is by exchanging til-gul, flying kites, or performing puja, we can all come together on Makar Sankranti to celebrate growth and renewal.

The Mythological Story behind Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a major Indian festival celebrated every year on January 14th in most of the states in India. This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and it's also celebrated to honor the sun god, who is said to have been born on this day.

Makar Sankranti has since then been celebrated as a day to recognize Lord Shiva and Parvati’s victory over Shambar and also as an occasion to honor the sun god who was born on that day.

As a part of the celebration, people from all over India make delicious food offerings to the gods and exchange gifts with each other.

The importance of Makar Sankranti lies in its spiritual significance. It is a day for Hindus to offer their prayers and thanksgiving for their harvests, for their material and spiritual well-being, for peace and harmony in their lives, and for the divine blessings of nature.

So if you want to learn more about Makar Sankranti and why we celebrate it, read on to find out some interesting facts about this wonderful festival!

How Is Makar Sankranti Celebrated Today?

Makar Sankranti is an important Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 14th of January in India. This festival marks the beginning of the sun’s transition from the tropic of Cancer to the tropic of Capricorn.

It also marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.

To celebrate this festival, Hindus observe many rituals and traditions that are meant to bring in good luck, prosperity, health and wealth. People perform pujas or prayers and perform charity activities to honor their ancestors.

They also exchange sweets and gifts among each other.

The most popular tradition associated with Makar Sankranti is the kite flying. It is believed that kite flying signifies hope, joy and victory in life.

In India, Makar Sankranti is a day for celebrating with friends and family. People gather together in large numbers to enjoy a festive lunch and fly kites from rooftops.

It is also a day of significance for farmers as it marks the end of their hard work of the past months and signals the start of a new sowing season.

People often prepare traditional dishes made with newly harvested grains to mark this special day.

There are various interesting facts and beliefs related to Makar Sankranti. Hindus believe that performing puja and donating food to the poor during Makar Sankranti brings good luck, joy and prosperity.

In conclusion, Makar Sankranti is a time for celebration, hope and new beginnings in India. The ritualistic practices, traditions and myths surrounding Makar Sankranti make it a very special day in India’s religious calendar.