Makar Sankranti Customs and Rituals
Makar Sankranti customs, rituals, and significance
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Next Makar Sankranti
Thursday, 14 January 2027· in 88 days
Set a reminder so you never miss Makar Sankranti.
Introduction
Significance
When to Celebrate
Find your exact auspicious time Check the shubh muhurat and choghadiya for your city and date.
What You'll Need
How to Prepare
- 1Clean and decorate the house
- 2Prepare traditional sweets and dishes
- 3Gather ingredients for the rituals
- 4Set up the puja area
- 5Take a bath and wear new clothes
How to Celebrate
- 1Take a bath and wear new clothes
- 2Perform the morning puja and offer prayers to the sun god
- 3Prepare and distribute traditional sweets and dishes
- 4Fly kites and participate in other festivities
- 5Take a dip in the holy rivers or take a bath at home
- 6Offer donations to the poor and needy
- 7Perform the evening puja and offer prayers to the sun god
Mantras
Surya Mantra
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
Om Suryaya Namah
Meaning: Salutations to the sun god
Gayatri Mantra
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्
Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Meaning: We meditate on the divine light of the sun, which inspires our intellect and guides us towards the right path
Observance Rules
- •Wake up early in the morning and take a bath
- •Wear new clothes and perform the morning puja
- •Fast or eat only traditional sweets and dishes
- •Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol
- •Participate in the festivities and fly kites
- •Offer donations to the poor and needy
Do's
- ✓Take a bath and wear new clothes
- ✓Perform the morning and evening puja
- ✓Prepare and distribute traditional sweets and dishes
- ✓Fly kites and participate in other festivities
- ✓Offer donations to the poor and needy
Don'ts
- ✗Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol
- ✗Do not engage in any violent or aggressive activities
- ✗Do not neglect the poor and needy
- ✗Do not forget to perform the puja and offer prayers to the sun god
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Not waking up early in the morning
- •Not taking a bath and wearing new clothes
- •Not performing the morning and evening puja
- •Not preparing and distributing traditional sweets and dishes
- •Not participating in the festivities and flying kites
Regional Variations
- •In South India, the festival is known as Pongal and is celebrated over four days
- •In West Bengal, the festival is known as Makar Sankranti and is celebrated with great fervor
- •In Gujarat, the festival is known as Uttarayan and is celebrated with kite-flying and other festivities
- •In Punjab, the festival is known as Maghi and is celebrated with traditional sweets and dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?▾
What are the traditional sweets and dishes prepared during Makar Sankranti?▾
Popular Tools
References & Traditional Notes
- •The festival is mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts, including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana
- •The festival is associated with the sun god and is considered auspicious for spiritual growth and renewal
Related Audio & Bhajans
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