Solar & Harvest Festivals

Makar Sankranti Guide: Uttarayan Transition, Til-Gud Significance, and Khichdi Dan

Q: What items are most auspicious to donate on Makar Sankranti?

Black and white sesame seeds, pure jaggery, raw rice-urad dal khichdi, warm woolen blankets, brass utensils, and seasonal fruits to the needy.

Bhakti Voice

भक्ति वॉइस

Calculated upon the exact moment the Sun crosses into Nirayana Capricorn.

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Makar Sankranti is a solar festival marking the transition of Surya Bhagavan into the zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn) and the commencement of Uttarayan—the northward celestial journey of the sun. Celebrated on January 14 or 15 every year, it heralds longer days, the conclusion of the inauspicious Kharmas month, and the arrival of the harvest season. Across India, it is celebrated with regional flavors: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan kite festivals in Gujarat, and Maghi Snan in Punjab.

The story

According to the Puranas, Lord Surya (the Sun) visits the house of His son, Lord Shani (the ruler of Capricorn), setting aside old estrangements. Makar Sankranti therefore stands as a celestial lesson in forgiveness, reconciliation, and mutual family respect. Additionally, on this sacred day, Goddess Ganga followed Sage Bhagiratha and merged into the ocean at Ganga Sagar, liberating the sixty thousand ancestors of King Sagara.

Traditions

Puja at home

Frequently asked questions

What is the spiritual significance of Uttarayan in Hindu tradition?

Uttarayan represents the six-month daytime of the celestial Devas. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha lay on a bed of arrows, waiting for Uttarayan to intentionally leave his physical body.

Why are Sesame seeds (Til) and Jaggery (Gud) consumed on Sankranti?

From an Ayurvedic standpoint, sesame and jaggery provide internal warmth during winter. Spiritually, sesame represents harmony and dissolving karmic debts between Sun and Saturn.

What items are most auspicious to donate on Makar Sankranti?