Makar Sankranti: Is it on January 14 and January 15? Check date, significance
Makar Sankranti, a vibrant and joyous festival, is marked by an array of exuberant festivities. The sky comes alive with the colorful spectacle of kite flying, while bonfires illuminate the night, casting a warm glow on the revelers. Fairs are abuzz with activity, offering a delightful blend of entertainment and merriment. Devotees gather by the river to pay homage to the radiant Surya through puja ceremonies, immersing themselves in a spiritual connection with nature. Indulging in a sumptuous feast, people relish the delectable culinary delights that symbolize abundance and prosperity. The air is filled with the enchanting melodies of performing arts and the rhythmic movements of dance, captivating all who witness them. This festive occasion serves as an opportunity for socialization, bringing friends and family together to celebrate the spirit of unity and kinship. Additionally, gau puja, or the worship of cows, is also observed during this festive season, as these gentle creatures are revered for their sacred significance. Makar Sankranti is truly a time of jubilation and reverence, encapsulating the essence of joy, spirituality, and cultural traditions.
Makar Sankranti 2024 Date in India: 15th January, Monday
Makar Sankranti 2024 Overview
| Festival Name | Makar Sankranti |
| Also Known as | Uttarayana, Sankranti, Til Sakraat, Magha, Pongal |
| Observed by | Hindus, Buddhists |
| Liturgical color | Red |
| Type | Religious and cultural, harvest festival |
| Significance | A harvest festival, a celebration of the winter solstice |
| Holiday Type | Restricted Holiday |
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. It is celebrated with various names and traditions throughout India and other countries. The festival is associated with social festivities such as decorations, kite flying, bonfires, and feasts. Many people also take part in bathing rituals in sacred rivers or lakes. Makar Sankranti is a time of celebration and thanksgiving, and is observed with various rituals and ceremonies.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in January to honor the sun god Surya. People take holy dips in rivers, pray to the sun, and make sticky sweets from sesame and sugar. It is a time for socializing, enjoying family, and celebrating the end of the agricultural cycle. The festival is observed across India and known by different names in different regions.
Makar Sankranti festival is celebrated in which state
Sankranti, also known as Makara Sankranti or Makara Sankramanam, holds great significance in various regions across India. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is celebrated as Pedda Panduga. In West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya, it is known as Pusna. Karnataka observes this festival as Suggi Habba, Makara Sankramana, or Makara Sankranti. Uttarakhand refers to it as Makar Sankranti, Uttarayana, or Ghughuti. Odisha celebrates it as Makar Sankranti or Makara Mela and Makara Chaula. Kerala commemorates the occasion as Makar Sankranti, Sankaranti, or Shankaranti. Mithila Bihar observes it as Makar Sankranti, Dahi Chura, or Til Sankranti. Maharashtra, Jammu, Goa, and Nepal celebrate it as Makar Sankranti, Maghi Sankranti, Haldi Kumkum, or Sankranti. In Tripura, it is known as Hangrai. Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia celebrate it as Pongal or Uzhavar Thirunal. Gujarat observes it as Uttarayana. Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab refer to it as Maghi. Assam celebrates it as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. In the Kashmir Valley, it is known as Shishur Saenkraat. Uttar Pradesh and western Bihar refer to it as Sakraat or Khichdi. West Bengal and Bangladesh observe it as Poush Sangkranti. Mithila observes it as Tila Sakrait. In Pakistan, it is known as Tirmoori.
In most parts of India, Sankranti festivities span over two to four days, each day having its own unique names and rituals. The first day is called Maghi (preceded by Lohri) or Bhogi Panduga. The second day is Makara Sankranti, Pongal, Pedda Panduga, Uttarayana, or Magh Bihu. The third day is Mattu Pongal or Kanuma Panduga. The fourth day is Kaanum Pongal or Mukkanuma.
Sankranti Holiday dates, History in Telangana 2024
The Pongal holidays in Telangana are set to begin on January 14th and end on January 18th, 2024. The festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season and is one of the most important festivals in the state. On the first day of the festival, known as Bhogi, people light bonfires and offer prayers to Lord Indra, the god of rain. The second day, known as Sankranti, is when the sun enters the Makara rasi, or Capricorn sign. This day is considered to be auspicious for starting new ventures. People take baths in holy rivers and offer prayers to the sun god, Surya. The third day, known as Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to cattle. Cattle are decorated with flowers and given a special bath. They are also offered food as a thanksgiving for their hard work during the year. The fourth and final day of the festival is known as Kanum Pongal. This day is devoted to family and friends, and people exchange gifts and enjoy feasts together.
Sankranti School Holidays in Telangana 2024
Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a major festival celebrated in Telangana and other parts of India. In 2024, Sankranti falls on January 14th, which is a Monday. As per the Telangana government’s academic calendar, schools will remain closed for the Sankranti holidays from January 12th to January 16th, 2024.
During the Sankranti holidays, students get a break from their regular academic routine and can enjoy the festivities with their families and friends. Many people in Telangana celebrate Sankranti by flying kites, preparing traditional dishes, and participating in cultural activities. The Sankranti holidays offer an opportunity for students to rejuvenate and recharge themselves before returning to school.
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