Makar Sankranti 2025
Today’s topic is why Makar Sankranti is celebrated. It is one of the major Hindu festivals of India, which is celebrated with different names and ways across the country. There are many religious, astronomical and cultural reasons behind this festival. Let us know in detail the main reasons for celebrating Makar Sankranti.
1.Sun enters Capricorn
The most important reason for Makar Sankranti is the Sun’s entry into the Capricorn sign. According to astrology, from this day the Sun moves from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan. This means that the Sun will now remain on the northern side of the Earth for a longer period of time. From this time the days start becoming longer and the nights become shorter. Makar Sankranti symbolizes this astronomical change and is considered a celebration of this change in nature. With the beginning of the Uttarayan movement of the Sun, this day is considered to infuse new energy into life.
2.Festival of end of winter and harvest
Makar Sankranti marks the end of winter and the beginning of the new harvest. It is also celebrated as a harvest festival. Farmers reap the fruits of their hard work and welcome the arrival of the new crop. This is the time when farmers are seeing good results in their fields. On this day, dishes made of sesame and jaggery are prepared, which are a symbol of health and prosperity. Sesame seeds are hot in nature and provide energy to the body, while jaggery is beneficial for health. Consuming sesame and jaggery on this day is considered auspicious.
3.Religious importance
Makar Sankranti has a very important place in Hindu religion. Bathing in Ganga, charity and worship have special significance on this day. It is believed that bathing in holy rivers on this day destroys all sins and attains salvation. Special fairs are organized on this day in many famous pilgrimage places of India like Prayagraj, Haridwar and Gangasagar, where lakhs of devotees gather. After taking bath in Ganga, people do charity and receive blessings from God.
4.Attainment of salvation of Bhishma Pitamah
According to Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah had received the boon of his wish to die and he left his body on the day of Makar Sankranti. This day is considered very auspicious for attaining salvation. That’s why Bhishma Pitamah had chosen this day. Due to his attainment of salvation, Makar Sankranti is considered very important from the religious point of view.
5.Mythology and folk beliefs
There are many mythological stories and folk beliefs associated with Makar Sankranti. According to a belief, on this day Lord Vishnu had killed the demons and buried their heads under Mount Mandar. Thus, this day also symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Apart from this, this day is also the day of worship of Sun, which is considered a symbol of power and energy of life.
6.Cultural importance
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names and customs in different states of India. For example, in Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as Pongal, in Gujarat as Uttarayan, in Punjab as Lohri and in Assam as Bhogali Bihu. The way of celebrating this festival is different in every state, but the basic objective is the same – welcoming the change of nature and conveying the message of conviviality and brotherhood in the society. On this day, people in every state prepare special dishes, consume sesame seeds and jaggery and wish each other.
7.Importance of fasting and fasting
Keeping fast on the day of Makar Sankranti also has special significance. On this day, dishes made exclusively of sesame and jaggery are prepared and consuming them is also beneficial for physical health. Sesame seeds and jaggery are considered very sacred and are also considered symbols of health and prosperity. Keeping a fast on this day brings spiritual peace and experiences new energy.
8.The joy of kite flying
The tradition of flying kites is also prevalent on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan and North India, the sky is filled with colorful kites on this day. This festival of kite flying symbolizes the rising influence of the Sun in the sky and achieving new heights in life. This day is a day of joy and enthusiasm, in which people enjoy kite flying with their family and friends.
Conclusion
So friends, due to all these reasons the festival of Makar Sankranti is very important in Hindu religion and it is celebrated with great pomp all over India. This festival is not only important from religious and cultural point of view, but it also symbolizes the transformation of nature and living together in society. The festival of Makar Sankranti gives us the message that if changes come in our life, we should welcome them, just as we welcome the Uttarayan journey of the Sun with full joy.
Let us unite and pray for happiness and prosperity on this Makar Sankranti. This festival inspires us to live life with new zeal and enthusiasm.
Best wishes to all of you on Makar Sankranti.
