A festival beyond laddu’s and flying Kites much more to know about Makar Sankranti
MAKAR SANKRANTI MEANING
Makara Sankranti stands as a Hindu festival venerating the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makara, also recognized as Uttarayana—the pivotal day when the sun embarks on its northward journey. This celebration consistently occurs on January 14 or 15, adhering to the solar calendar.
SIGNIFICANCE OF FESTIVAL
The festival bears significance both historically and religiously, signifying the conclusion of winter and the inception of lengthier days. It intertwines with the bountiful harvest of crops like rice, sugarcane, and sesame.
In Hindu mythology, Makara Sankranti marks the sun god Surya’s visit to his son Shani, the lord of Capricorn, symbolizing the resolution of their differences. Furthermore, there’s a belief that departing on this day leads to salvation or moksha.India’s diverse cultural tapestry is reflected in the myriad ways Makara Sankranti is celebrated across the nation.
Kites and Jaggery sweets prepared for Makar Sankranti Festival
Customs vary, encompassing flying kites, kindling bonfires, taking purifying dips in rivers, offering sun prayers, exchanging sesame and jaggery sweets, and contributing food and clothing to the less fortunate. The festival adopts various regional names like Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Maghi in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Makaravilakku in Kerala.
Makara Sankranti symbolizes the harmonious convergence of nature, culture, and spirituality. It serves as an occasion to express gratitude to the sun, earth, and farmers for their contributions to sustenance and prosperity. Moreover, it is a moment for celebrating the joy of life, fostering familial and friendly bonds, and embodying the values of generosity and compassion.
WHY PEOPLE FLY KITES AND EAT SESAME IN THIS DAYS
The practice of flying kites and consuming sesame sweets during Makara Sankranti is grounded in various rationales. Some believe that kite-flying exposes individuals to beneficial sun rays, contributing to health and skin wellness.
Pic credit Gettyimage-people flying kites on day of makar Sankranti
According to Tamils Tananna RAMAYANA kite ceremony was started by Lord” RAMA” himself and the kite fly by lord Rama went to hight of Indra loka(heaven),so from that day kite ceremony was started.
Additionally, it serves as a gesture of gratitude towards deities for a fruitful harvest and longer days.Eating sesame sweets, such as til-gud ladoos or chikkis, is a symbol of unity and harmony. Sesame seeds are also good for keeping the body warm and moisturized in winter. People exchange these sweets and wish each other well.
SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE OF MAKARA SANKRANTI
Some of the spiritual aspects of Makara Sankranti’s are:-
It is a day to honor the sun god Surya, who is believed to visit his son Shani, the lord of Capricorn, and resolve their differences. It is also a day to seek forgiveness from the ancestors and offer them gratitude.
Pic credit Gettyimage- Sadhu taking ceremonial washing in a holy river
It is a day to purify oneself by taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. This ritual is said to wash away sins and bestow merit. It is a day to share and care for others by exchanging sesame and jaggery sweets, which signify harmony and warmth, and donating blankets, food, and clothes to the needy. This ritual promotes generosity and compassion.
It is a day to celebrate the joy of life and the bond of family and friends by flying kites, which represent the soaring of the spirit and the connection with the divine. Makara Sankranti is a festival that reminds us of the importance of movement and stillness, of gratitude and forgiveness, of unity and diversity, and of life and death.
It is a festival that inspires us to seek the light within and without. Scientific importance Of makara Sankranti Makar Sankranti stands as a festival commemorating the sun’s journey from the southern to the northern hemisphere, signifying the onset of longer days and shorter nights.
This celestial occurrence, beyond its astronomical essence, carries profound implications for both astrologers and spiritual seekers. It serves as a period encouraging fresh starts and forgiveness for past errors, empowering individuals to progress with renewed vigor and purpose.
SCIENTIFIC REASONS FOR CELEBRATING THE FESTIVAL
Scientifically, Makar Sankranti holds significance for several reasons:-
It marks the day when the sun achieves its maximum declination, reaching its farthest point from the equator. This induces changes in atmospheric temperature and solar radiation, impacting both the human body and the environment.
On this day, the earth’s magnetic field weakens, mitigating the adverse effects of cosmic rays and other harmful radiations on the human body. This weakening enhances positive energy and vitality.
Seasme laddu’s prepare on Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti witnesses the sun emitting rays, beneficial for health and skin. Activities like flying kites, taking holy dips in rivers, and exposing oneself to sunlight facilitate the absorption of these rays, contributing to a boosted immune system.
The festival aligns with the sun’s positioning along the earth’s axis, fostering a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. This alignment amplifies cosmic energy and enhances the spiritual power of individuals.
Makar Sankranti isn’t solely a celebration of the sun’s transition; it embodies the harmonious convergence of nature, culture, and spirituality. It serves as a reminder of the delicate equilibrium between movement and stillness, gratitude and forgiveness, unity and diversity, and life and death. This festival inspires a quest for inner and outer illumination.
MAKAR SANKRANTI CELEBRATION DAY AND TIME
It is going to celebrate on 15 January 2024 , instead of 14 January this year.
Auspicious Timeline Of The Festival Makar Sankranti:
-The Punya Kaal: From 07:15 to 17:46 (IST)
-The Maha Punya Kaal: From 07:15 to 09:00 (IST)
HAPPY MAKAR SANKRANTI 🥳🥳
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