Makar Sankranti 2020: Date, subh muhurat, significance- here's all you need to know

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.

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 

Significance

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.

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

Date and Subh Muhurat

According to Drik Panchang, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15, 2020. The Makara Sankranti Punya Kala will start from 07:15 AM and will end at 05:46 PM. The total duration of Makara Sankranti Punya Kala is 10 hours 31 mins. 

The Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala will start 07:15 AM and end at 09:00 AM. The total duration will be of 1 hour 45 mins. 

The Makara Sankranti Moment will be observed at 02:22 AM.

Rituals

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.

In states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, people don't eat anything before taking bath. It is compulsory to eat 'til ke laddu' on this day.