Makar Sankranti 2021: Time, date, and how to do the puja

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious times in a year that marks the transition of the Sun from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan. Entering the zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn) on this day, the sun begins its northward movement for the next six months.

Makar Sankranti is a famous festival and is celebrated in various parts of the country with different customs and local traditions. Every year, Makar Sankranti falls on the 14th of January. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm to worship the Sun god.

Makar Sankranti date and puja time in 2021

Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 14, which falls on a Thursday. The most auspicious time on Makar Sankranti this year is from 08:30 am and 10:15 am and this is the best time to perform the special puja for the day.

Celebrating Makar Sankranti: Different customs and traditions across India

Makar Sankranti is observed in different parts of India and the rituals and customs vary from state to state.

The people of Uttar Pradesh deem Makar Sankranti a festival of donation. The most auspicious thing to do on this day is to take a holy dip in the Ganges River. This state celebrates Magh mela starting from this day for a period of one month.

In the states of Punjab and Haryana, people light bonfires and perform puja around it accompanied by dances and songs. They throw puffed rice, sweets and other eatables into the fire as offering to the gods.

Referred to as Uttarayan in Gujarat, the people celebrate this festival by flying kites and giving gifts to young members in the families.

In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Parbon. On this day, people take a holy bath early in the morning and donate til seeds to the poor and the needy. Pithas or sweets made from coconut, milk, palm jaggery and rice flour are made for this festival. Gangasagar witnesses a huge fair around this time.

Makar Sankranti is a three-day long festival in Maharashtra. People greet others by sharing some traditional recipes like multi-colored halwa, puran poli, and til-gul laddoo. Haldi-Kunku is an event organized by married women in their homes.

Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu is the name of the harvest festival organized in Guwahati.

In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the name Pongal for four days. The farmers observe this event as a thanksgiving celebration to offer their gratitude to sun god and the forces of nature. They also give a sumptuous treat to the cows, bullocks and other cattle that help them in different ways.