Makar Sankranti is not only a major transition in the heavenly world but also in our hearts. This festival marks when it becomes longer days again after winter ends and harvest season begins. It is a colorful, joyous festival that is celebrated widely in all parts of India and is characterized by thanksgiving, prayers, and rituals.
On this auspicious day when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar), and people come together in a celebration filled with joy, devotion, and anticipation. During this festival, one of the major rituals performed is the Makar Sankranti Puja which expresses gratitude and blessings for good crops as well as prosperity in life.
When Does Makar Sankranti Occur?
Makar Sankranti normally falls every year on the 14th of January. Its date is a little flexible under the solar calendar but usually falls between the 13th and 15th days of January. This festival is special since it follows the solar cycle. So, it celebrates the day when the sun enters Capricorn from Sagittarius, indicating warmer days ahead.
The Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti celebrates more than a harvest. It symbolizes a change of seasons, especially moving from those cold dark winter months into the lighter warmer days in spring. It’s a time for reawakening within one’s soul and body. Additionally, it’s about giving thanks to nature for her bounty which includes food.
During this period people from different parts of India take part in various activities—flying kites in Gujarat or consuming til-gud (a sweet made of sesame & jaggery) in Maharashtra. Nevertheless, irrespective of regional customs, Makar Sankranti is a day for showing respect through prayers and thanksgiving to Sun God, Surya, who is considered responsible for both warmth and abundance.
Makar Sankranti Puja: The Heart of the Celebration
The Makar Sankranti Puja holds its central place in this festival—it is done so as to ask for good health, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year. Follow this step-by-step guide for understanding The Makar Sankranti Puja & how you can participate in this sacred ritual.
1. Makar Sankranti Puja preparation
Preparation for the Makar Sankranti Puja begins early in the morning, preferably at sunrise. The worshipers will therefore clean their homes and create a clean and sacred space for the ritual. To attract positivity and blessings, the worship area is decorated with mango leaves and rangoli (kolam) designs.
2. Praying to the Sun God (Surya)
The most significant god worshipped during this puja is the Sun. The Sun God is presented with water, fruits, flowers, and sugar cane as a sign of appreciation. Besides, Surya is believed to possess healing powers and therefore the followers pray for health, success, and abundance.
3. Ritual performing
Rituals include recitation of mantras about Surya and other gods depending on local customs during Makar Sankranti Puja. In appreciation for the god’s warmth and life-giving energy people typically stand facing east and raise their hands while offering water to the sun. The til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery) offerings are considered to be symbolic of purity which cleanses both body and spirit.
4. Traditional Offerings: Til-Gud
It is a common practice during this festival for people to exchange til-gud (sesame seeds and jaggery). This denotes sweetness as well as harmony among the people that is brought about by this festival. Friends and family share it with one another when they say in Marathi, “Til Gud Ghya, God God Bola” (Take this til-gud and speak sweetly). The idea behind this exchange is to make our relationships stronger by promoting understanding among ourselves.
How to Book the Makar Sankranti Puja Online
Today’s world is moving too fast for anyone who wishes to follow ceremonial practices strictly but luckily they can hire online puja services which stands as an easier solution. Online puja booking apps such as Utsav allow you to take part in the Makar Sankranti Puja without leaving your house, thus saving time and effort. This can be done using its “ book puja online” feature.
Just one click will enable you to connect with famous temples while still booking your puja online where all mandatory rituals will be observed correctly in order to satisfy every mantra needed for the ceremony. Prasad is then given to your doorstep by Utsav’s seamless delivery system which also ensures that you become part of these holy customs wherever you may be located. Therefore, it is an easy way to celebrate this festival and receive divine blessings without compromising on your Bhakti.
The Bottom Line
This Makar Sankranti, make sure to celebrate the festival of harvest, light, and hope with devotion. Whether you perform the rituals traditionally or book puja online, the key is to offer your prayers with sincerity and love. And for those looking for a simple way to connect with the divine during this festival, platforms like Utsav make it just a click away, offering easy access to perform the puja from anywhere and receive blessings directly at your doorstep.
Download the Utsav app today on Play Store and immerse yourself in the spiritual richness of Makar Sankranti – after all, it’s just a click away!
