Makar Sankranti 2023 Date, Muhurat, Rituals, Significance

Makar Sankranti marks the onset of longer and warmer days with the ascent of the Sun into the northern hemisphere.

This also marks the inception of the holy phase of Uttarayana.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India by different names. Other names include ‘Khichri’ in Uttar Pradesh, ‘Pongal’ in Tamil Nadu, ‘Bhogali Bihu’ in Assam, ‘Sakarat’ in Central India and ‘Lohri’ in Punjab and northern India.

Makar Sankranti 2023 Date: January 15, Sunday.

Punya Kaal Muhurat: January 15, 7:14 AM – January 15, 12:36 PM.

Rituals: Different rituals are practiced in different states of India.

In Uttar Pradesh, people take holy bath in the Ganges. ‘Magh Mela’ starts on this day at the Prayag.

In Punjab, people lit bonfires on Sankranti eve and perform puja around it. This is followed by feasts and ‘Bhangra’ dance around the fire.

In Gujarat, kite flying holds importance on this day. Giving gifts to younger members of the family is also a ritual.

In Maharashtra, people exchange various kinds of sweets made of jaggery and sesame seeds. Married women of the house buy utensils. These are also exchanged as gifts which are known as ‘Haldi Kumkum’.

In Tamil Nadu and other parts of southern India, harvest God is worshipped on this day. This festival known as Pongal. Sweets made up of rice, pulses and milk cooked in ghee is offered to the family deity.

In West Bengal, people take holy dip in Ganga river on this day, offering early morning pujas to the Sun God at dawn.