14 January || Makar Sankranti 2023

What is special about 14 January in India 

By Intimate Viewpoint

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In India, 14 January is observed as Makar Sankranti. The holy dip is taken in the holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Kaveri, Godavari, etc. by many Indian people. A few festivals in India are celebrated on a fixed calendar day on the Solar calendar. Makar Sankranti is one of them. It is celebrated on 14 January every year. Whereas other festivals like Durga puja, Diwali, Holi, Pongal, and Id are celebrated as per the lunar calendar.

14 January or Makar Sankranti is very special in many ways. One of the reasons is that it is also known as the Kite festival. Because on this day the weather remains suitable for fly kites. Not only children but elders also take participate in it. That's why it is a favorite among children.

What is special about 14 January in India?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different ways in different states in India. States like Bihar and Jharkhand used to eat Dahi Chura (flattened rice & Curd). It is considered an auspicious food that's why it is used many times to offer to god as Bhog or Prasad. Thus it is eaten in Makar Sankranti as well.

Why does Makar Sankranti is also known as 'Uttaryan'?

This year, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on 15 January instead of 14th January. The other name for Makar Sankranti is 'Uttaryan' as well. Because after this day The sun god moves towards North hemisphere.

Why this year Makar Sankranti is on the 15th instead of the 14 January? 

Actually. Every fourth year Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 15 January, this is because of the leap day correction. A year has 365 days so to adjust the one extra day of the leap year, we celebrate it on 15th January.

What are the special cuisines of Makar Sankranti?

Every festival celebrated in the world has its own significance. Sometimes the cuisines make them special. In the same way, Makar Sankranti is special for Dahi Chuda, Pithaas, Tilcut, and Khichdi. The  Pithaas are made of rice flour and by steaming process. And the Khichdi is a food that contains different kinds of pulses, vegetables, and rice. Therefore it is considered wholesome food. It enhances salubrity as well.

According to astrology, the staple ingredients of khichdi are rice and water which affect the lunar affection. The second major ingredient is the pulses especially the Urad Dal which relates to Shani Deity. Whereas turmeric that is added to Khichdi is related to Jupiter and the vegetables are related to Mercury. Apart from this, Ghee is also added to the Khichdi to enhance flavor and taste and it is related to the Sun god. Thus Khichdi is considered the Prasad of Navagraha or the nine planets. It removes all the frailty of life. 

Moreover, there is also a custom of eating Sesame on the day of Makar Sankranti. according to astrology, Sesame directly relates to Shani Diety. Therefore eating Sesame on this day removes all the effects related to Shani, Rahu, & Ketu. 

What is the importance of offering donations on Makar Sankranti?

In India Makar Sankranti also known as Til Shakraat or Til Sankranti. Til or Sesame is the most important for this festival. That's why donating Sesame to this festival is considered an auspicious thing.

Apart from this, Chuda, Gud, Rice, fruits, warm clothes, and blankets are also donated to this festival. People Donate things according to their ability.