The festival of kites, Makar Sankranti, marks the first Hindu festival of the year
The festival of kites is here ad we can hardly contain our excitement! Makar Sankranti marks the first Hindu festival of the year and is observed in different parts of the country under different names.
From history to its importance, here's all you need to know about Makar Sankranti.
1. First Hindu fesival of the year
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Right after New Year 2019, people in the eastern belt of India are all set to celebrate the festival of kites, Makar Sankranti which marks the first Hindu festival of the year.
2. Here's what the festival denotes
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Observed in different parts of the country under different names, including Lohri in North India, Sukarat in Central India, Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Makar Sankranti in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and the neighbouring regions, Makar Sankranti denotes the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path and celebrates the harvest season.
The festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15, 2019
3. Punya Kaal muhurta
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According to Drik Panchang, “The time between Makar Sankranti and 40 Ghatis (roughly 16 hours for Indian locations if we consider 1 Ghati duration as 24 minutes) from the time of Makar Sankranti is considered good for auspicious work. This duration of forty Ghatis is known as 'Punya Kaal'. Sankranti activities, like taking bath, offering Naivedhya (food offered to the deity) to Lord Surya, offering charity or Dakshina, performing Shraddha rituals and breaking fast or Parana, should be done during Punya Kaal. If Makar Sankranti happens after sunset then all Punya Kaal activities are postponed till the next sunrise. Hence, all Punya Kaal activities should be done during the day time.”
The Punya Kaal muhurta starts from 7.19 am and ends at 12.30 pm on January 15, according to Drik Panchang
4. Makar Sankranti is observed according to solar cycles
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Marking the onset of summer and the six months long auspicious period for Hindus known as Uttaarayan, this festival is observed according to the solar cycles, unlike other festivals which are observed according to lunar cycles
5. Spiritual practices
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On the day of Makar Sankranti, various spiritual practices are observed. It is common for people to take a holy dip in rivers and it is generally believed that doing so would absolve them of their past sins
