Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over the country in India. To perform Makar Sankranti Puja call 08069266025 for guidance and support. The puja is performed to celebrate the sun’s transition in the zodiac sign “Capricorn”. It is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, observed with rituals, prayers and festivals to honor Lord Surya (the Sun God) and seek his blessings for prosperity, health and happiness.
On Makar Sankranti, worship and prayer of Lord Surya has special importance. After taking a bath in the Ganges during the holy time, one should put water, vermilion, red flowers and black sesame seeds in a copper vessel and offer water to the rising sun. The glory of Sun God and the importance of worship are described in all Vedas, Puranas and Yoga scriptures. It is said in the scriptures that Sun worship is completely fruitful for health and happiness and all the diseases of those who worship Sun God and observe fast are cured.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
The festival holds an important significance as it symbolizes the day depending on the position of the sun.
- Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated across India and it marks the end of winter and the start of the harvest period.
- It represents the sun’s movement into the zodiac sign Capricorn, bringing longer days and warmer weather.
- It is believed that performing Makar Sankranti Puja brings inner purification and eliminates negativity from life.
- Makar Sankranti is celebrated under different names with unique customs in various parts of India, such as Pongal in Tamil Naidu, Uttrayan in Gujrat, Lohri in Punjab and Magh Bihu in Assam.
Ritual in Makar Sankranti Puja
The puja rituals may vary depending on regional traditions, but some common elements include:
- People offer water to the rising sun, reciting the Gayatri Mantra and Surya Mantra.
- Take a holy bath in a sacred river, such as Ganga Yamuna or Godavari on Makar Sankranti.
- Offer sesame seeds, jaggery, rice and other grains on this auspicious day.
- In some parts, particularly in Punjab and Gujrat, people gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs and fly colourful kites as a part of celebrations.
- Reading the Bhagavad Gita and performing Satsang is a common practice to deepen the significance of the festival.
Benefits of Makar Sankranti Puja
Makar Sankranti is unique as it follows the solar calendar, falling on January 14th each year, though it may vary by day depending on the position of the sun. Performing Makar Sankranti Puja has several benefits:
- Worshipping the Sun God on Makar Sankranti is believed to bring vitality, health and success.
- It removes obstacles from life and opens the way for new opportunities.
- Taking a holy dip and performing charity is believed to purify the mind and soul, reducing the effects of past misdeeds.
- Exchanging sweets and participating in communal activities fosters goodwill and harmony among family, friends and the community.
