This year's Makar Sankranti celebration, which takes place on January 15, 2023, comes one day after Lohri. The Sankranti tithi on January 15 will be at 2:45 a.m., according to Drik Panchang. On the other hand, Makar Sankranti Punya Kala will run for 10 hours and 31 minutes, from 7:15 am to 8:07 pm, while Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala will start at 7:15 am and end at 9:00 am, lasting for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
It's a common notion that if someone passes away on Makar Sankranti day, they immediately enter paradise. The next day after Makar Sankranti, according to folklore, a Hindu divinity named Sankranti defeated a demon named Sankarasur. The day is known as Kinkrant or Karidin, and Devi slew Kinkarasur, the wicked. It is observed differently in each state, with varying names, customs, and events.
The harvest festival commemorates the sun's entry into Makara (Capricorn) Rashi, the zodiac sign, and is devoted to the Sun God Surya. Hindus around the world, including those in the Indian Subcontinent, celebrate this holiday. Makar Sankranti, which corresponds to the sun's northward path, signifies the end of winter. Known by another name, Uttarayan, this fortunate time heralds the start of longer days.
Depending on the locale in which it is observed, the Makar Sankranti celebration is called by numerous different names. North Indian Hindus and Sikhs refer to it as Maghi, which is preceded by Lohri. It is referred to as Makara Sankranti and Poush Sôngkrānti in Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Telangana. It's known as Sukarat in central India, Magh Bihu in Assamese, Khichdi in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Uttarayanan in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Thai Pongal or Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
People perform religious rituals, such as worshiping the Sun God, flying kites, preparing sesame and jaggery sweets, giving alms to the poor, and honoring livestock during the event. And in India, farmers pray for bountiful harvests.Kite flying is a common activity during this event in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Today is International Kite Festival Day, observed since 1989.
