Rudraksha-Ratna

28th Nov. 2016

What you need to know about Makarsankranti

What is Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu Festival celebrated all over India, Nepal and Bangladesh to worship the
Lord Surya. It marks the transition of Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makar) on its celestial
path. This day marks the beginning of spring season in India. It is also known as the Harvest
Festival in most parts of India.
When to celebrate Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the same day every year in the Gregorian Calender (with few
exceptions). Makar Sankranti 2017 will be celebrated on 14th January (Saturday). In some parts
of India, it will be celebrated for 4 days starting from 13th January to 16th January. The first day of
Makar Sankranti is called Pratipada followed by the second day Dwitiya, third day Tritiya and final
day as Chaturthi. The Punya kaal muhurta will be from 07:50 hrs to 18:40 hours (IST).
Why Makar Sankranti is celebrated

Rudraksha-Ratna
In Hindu religion, Makar Sankranti is celebrated to seek blessings of the Sun. The Sun enters the
Capricorn (Makar rashi) which signifies its movement from one zodiac sign to another. On the day
of Makas Sankranti, an equal length of night and day is observed, and after Makar Sankranti, days
become longer than nights.
How to celebrate Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated all over India. In North India, people visit the holy rivers like
Ganga, Jamuna or Saraswati to take a dip and bath at early morning hours on Makar Sankranti day.
It is believed that those who bath in holy rivers during the Makar Sankranti at morning hours can
eradicate their sins. Thousands of people plan the pilgrimage to the places like Haridwar, Banaras
and Allahabad, as these places are considered spiritual and hold religious importance in Hindu
scriptures.
Makar Sankranti is also celebrated with many different names in different regions. In Gujurat it is
known as Uttarayan. Whereas in Tamil Nadu it is called as Pongal and it is celebrated for four
days. In Punjab and Haryana celebrates Lohri one day prior Makar Sankranti.
In many parts of India, people celebrate Makar Sankranti by cleaning their homes and altar places
and performing a special Makar Sankranti Puja with pandits by setting up Makar Sankranti
Homam.
Why is it called Kite Flying Festival?
In ancient days, people used to fly kites in early morning as early morning sun is considered
beneficial for human body. Exposing yourself to early morning sun during the Makar Sankranti is
holy and one experiences Lord Suryas blessings. Even today many section of India celebrate
Makar Sankranti as the Kite flying festival. Its a metaphor of reaching to their beloved God, filling
the sky with beautiful colours and playing the games to enjoy their time with friends and family.

Rudraksha-Ratna
Related Articles:
Happy New Year
Gudi Padwa
Hanuman Jayanti
Holi

About Rudra Centre

Rudra Centre organizes exhibitions and arranges workshops on Rudraksha and Ratna and their
rare collections in India and abroad to popularize Rudraksha Ratna and bring it close to the
people. They are the first ISO certified Rudraksha organization in the world and first to
translate Puranas and Upanishads information on Rudraksha in English and prepare the world
famous combinations of Indra mala, Siddh mala and various popular power combinations.

Contact Details:
Rudra Centre
Phone: +91-22-21018209/24
Email: contact@rudracentre.com
Our Website: http://rudraksha-ratna.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rudracentre/
Blog: http://www.neetasinghal.com/