Makar Sankranti 2024: History, Significance, Puja Muhurat, and Rituals

Makar Sankranti is being celebrated today on Monday, January 15. Widely celebrated across India, the festival goes by various regional names such as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Khichdi in East Uttar Pradesh, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Pongal in South India. This auspicious day is significant as it symbolises the Sun God’s transition into Capricorn. Devotees celebrate the event with great zeal all across the country.

Makar Sankranti 2024: History

Makar Sankranti signifies the end of winter. The harvest festival is both a religious as well as seasonal observance. This holy festival is dedicated to Surya whom the Hindu community believes to be the Sun God.

According to popular belief, if someone passes away on Makar Sankranti, they are thought to go straight to paradise. In Hindu mythology, a deity named Sankranti defeated a demon called Sankarasur a day after Makar Sankranti. This day is called Karidin or Kinkrant, symbolizing the victory over evil.

Makar Sankranti 2024: Puja Muhurat

Perform the rituals during the auspicious timings to reap positive benefits. Here are the Puja muhurat to avoid any discrepancies.

1. Makar Sankranti Punya Kala – 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM (10 Hours 31 Mins)
2. Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala – 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM (01 Hour 45 Mins)
3. Sankranti Moment: 02:54 AM, January 15

Makar Sankranti 2024: Rituals

1. To perform the rituals, start by thoroughly cleaning the house, especially the prayer area.
2. Apply a tilak of rice flour and roli on the forehead of the person conducting the rituals.
3. Set up the Lord Shani idol in the prayer room and offer ghevar, til ladoos (both black and white, 4 each), and some money.
4. Sprinkle rice and roli on the items meant for donation (baayna).
5. Light a lamp and chant the Surya mantra (Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah) 12 times while focusing on the deity.
6. After completing the rituals, distribute the baayna to married ladies in the family and friends, including priests.

Many people also engage in the exchange and donation of jaggery and sesame seeds, while others offer charity and distribute utensils to married females in their families. These steps ensure a proper and auspicious observance of the Lord Shani rituals.