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Makar Sankranti 2021: Date, time, rituals and why it is celebrated

Makar Sankranti denotes the entry of sun into zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path and celebrates the harvest season.

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The festival of kites is here! 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 Uttarayan, this festival is observed according to the solar cycles, unlike other festivals which are observed according to lunar cycles. From Makar Sankranti, the Sun starts moving towards the northern hemisphere, marking the end of the winter season and days start getting longer.

This is also the time when people across India prepare delicacies made of til or sesame and gur or jaggery.

Makar Sankranti 2021: Day, Date and Time

This year, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday, January 14. Makar Sankranti Punya Kala or auspicious time starts at 8:30 am and ends at 5:46 pm. Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala starts at 8:30 am and ends at 10:15 am.

(Source: drikpanchang.com)

Makar Sankranti 2021: 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, Maghi in Haryana and Punjab, and Makar Sankranti in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and the neighbouring regions. In Kerala, the festival is known as Makaravilakku, when the divine light is seen on the Sabarimala hills.

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.

Makar Sankranti 2021: 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.

Rituals also include offering Naivedya or special food items to the Surya or Sun god and distributing food and clothes to the poor.

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.

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