Makar Sankranti 2024: When the sun starts to set on January 13th, 2024, confusion arises among the Indians as to whether Makar Sankranti celebration is on 14th Jan or 15th? But Sankranti is just one day, isn’t it?
However, this year the doubt might arise due to 2024 being a leap year, which brings out a fascinating astronomical phenomenon that casts a delightful double shadow on the festival calendar.
Must Read: Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes 2024
Makar Sankranti 2024: Understanding the Dates
Makar stands for ‘Capricorn’ and Sankranti means ‘journey’. Therefore, Makar Sankranti translates as the sun’s journey from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. It is the only Hindu festival that follows the solar calendar instead of the lunar.
Makar Sankranti 2024 celebrates the harvest season with thanksgiving and memorable family reunions, which is observed on January 14th or 15th each year.
Though known by different names across the country, Makar Sankranti’s essence of renewal and hope unites the nation in a symphony of colour and food.
Makar Sankranti 2024: Different Names
- Uttarayan in Gujarat
- Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu
- Magh Bihu in Assam
- Thai Pongal in Sri Lanka
- Maghi in Haryana & Himachal Pradesh
- Makara Sankramana in Karnataka
- Sankranti in Maharashtra
- Lohri in Punjab
- Shishur Saenkraat in Nepal
- Makara Vilakku in Kerala
- Poush Sangkranti in West Bengal
- Tila Sakrait in Mithila
Significance of Makar Sankranti 2024: Why & When?
Makar Sankranti holds great importance and significance. In India the festival honours the Sun God and marks the end of winter. People take a holy dip in rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Krishna and Godavari to express reverence toward the Sun God.
It is believed that the ritual dip cleanses people of their sins and get Moksha, release from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Makar Sankranti 2024: Is it on January 14 or January 15?
But this year, in 2024, Makar Sankranti falls on Monday, January 15, and it does always during leap years (in 2020 leap year, Makar Sankranti was held on Wed, Jan 15). The reason behind is – the famous Hindu calendar, Drik Panchang, foretells about a sacred period that extends 10 hours and 31 minutes – from 7:15 AM to 5:46 PM on January 15, 2024.
During this time frame, devotees can offer their rituals and prayers to the Sun God and seek blessings in return.
Makar Sankranti 2024: Embrace Unity & Hope
In many places, people who follow the ancient solar calendar, embrace both days for Makar Sankranti. Temples ring with morning prayers offered with til and gur (sesame seeds and jaggery), the skies fill up with many kites and the air fills up with various food items.
This year, let the nation drown in Makar Sankranti 2024 festivities and the blessings that come with it. Let hope rise and lives fill with joy, laughter and prosperity like the fields, reminding us of the sun’s warmth that lead us into eternal salvation.
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