Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti or Makara Sankrant, is one of the highly auspicious days in a Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). This day Sun enters into the zodiac Capricorn or Makara Rashi. It is also known as Uttarayana Punyakalam and heralds the arrival of spring season. Until this year, Makar Sankranti has been celebrated on 14th January every year.
This year onwards, it will fall on January 15th. The astronomical reason behind this fact is that Sun enters zodiac Capricorn 20 minutes later than the preceding year. Thus every 72 years, the date of Sun's entry into zodiac Capricorn increases by one. This year, Sun will enter this zodiac during midnight. As per Vedic calendar system (Panchang) the date (Tithi) starts with position of moon at the time of sunrise, Therefore, technically speaking, Makar Sankranti will fall on 15th January (until year 2080).
Auspicious time to perform holy bath and pujas for Makar Sankranti in all regions in India is on January 15, 2012 from sunrise. Lord Surya is worshipped on the Makar Sankranti day and is a form of Nature Worship. A major event on the day is the bathing ritual at Sangam (confluence of Yamuna, Saraswati and Ganga) in Allahabad and also in the famous bathing ghats on River Ganga. Taking a holy dip on the day is considered to cleanse sins committed and this will lead to Moksha (Salvation). Uttarayana Punyakalam, the day time of Devas, begins with the Makar Sankranti and lasts for six months. This period is ideal for all kind of auspicious activities.
Makar Sankranti is observed throughout India and South Asia by all communities but with slight variations in the festivities. It is known by different names and celebrated with different customs in different parts of the country.
In India it is known by different regional names
In other countries too the day is celebrated but under different names and in different ways
This year onwards, it will fall on January 15th. The astronomical reason behind this fact is that Sun enters zodiac Capricorn 20 minutes later than the preceding year. Thus every 72 years, the date of Sun's entry into zodiac Capricorn increases by one. This year, Sun will enter this zodiac during midnight. As per Vedic calendar system (Panchang) the date (Tithi) starts with position of moon at the time of sunrise, Therefore, technically speaking, Makar Sankranti will fall on 15th January (until year 2080).
Auspicious time to perform holy bath and pujas for Makar Sankranti in all regions in India is on January 15, 2012 from sunrise. Lord Surya is worshipped on the Makar Sankranti day and is a form of Nature Worship. A major event on the day is the bathing ritual at Sangam (confluence of Yamuna, Saraswati and Ganga) in Allahabad and also in the famous bathing ghats on River Ganga. Taking a holy dip on the day is considered to cleanse sins committed and this will lead to Moksha (Salvation). Uttarayana Punyakalam, the day time of Devas, begins with the Makar Sankranti and lasts for six months. This period is ideal for all kind of auspicious activities.
Makar Sankranti is observed throughout India and South Asia by all communities but with slight variations in the festivities. It is known by different names and celebrated with different customs in different parts of the country.
In India it is known by different regional names
- Makar Sankranti or Sankranti - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and West Bengal.
- Uttarayan- Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Maghi - Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab
- Pongal - Tamil Nadu
- Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu - Assam Valley
- Shishur Saenkraat - Kashmir Valley
- Makara Vilakku Festival - Sabarimala Temple (Kerala)
In other countries too the day is celebrated but under different names and in different ways
- In Nepal,
- Tharu people - Maghi
- Other people - Maghe Sankranti or Maghe Sakrati
- In Thailand - สงกรานต์ Songkran
- In Laos - Pi Ma Lao
- In Myanmar - Thingyan
- In Cambodia - Moha Sangkran
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