Patna: After three years, Makar Sankranti will fall on January 14, marking a significant day in the Hindu calendar. This year, a rare astronomical alignment of Bhaum-Pushya Yoga—a combination of Tuesday (Bhaum) and Pushya Nakshatra—will occur, amplifying the spiritual importance of the day. The Pushya Nakshatra is associated with prosperity, growth, and spiritual development, making it an auspicious time for charity, shopping, and religious activities.
Importance of Makar Sankranti
The festival, which signifies the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara), marks the end of Kharmas and the beginning of auspicious occasions for marriages and other religious ceremonies. Sun will enter Capricorn on January 14 at 2:55 pm, with the entire day considered auspicious for bathing in the Ganga and performing acts of charity. According to astrologers, religious deeds and donations made during Pushya Nakshatra on this day will yield long-term positive benefits.
Rituals and Practices
Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated by taking a holy dip in the Ganga, offering water to the Sun, and performing religious prayers like Vishnu Sahasranama, Purush Sukta, and Aditya Hridaya Stotra. Devotees are encouraged to donate food, clothes, sesame seeds, fruits, and gold to Brahmins and the poor. Acts of service, including helping the elderly and caring for cows, are believed to bring divine blessings.
Auspicious Timings
- Punya Kaal (Sacred Time): Sunrise to the entire day
- Sun’s Transition to Capricorn: 2:55 pm
- Char-Labh-Amrit Muhurat: 9:19 am to 1:19 pm
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:37 am to 12:20 pm
Bhaum-Pushya Yoga: A Rare Astronomical Event
The Bhaum-Pushya Yoga, forming after 19 years, adds a unique spiritual dimension to this year’s Makar Sankranti. Pushya Nakshatra is revered in the Rigveda for its association with happiness, prosperity, and auspiciousness. According to astrologers, acts of worship and charity performed during this yoga will have multiplied benefits.
Traditions and Kite Flying
The tradition of kite flying, commonly associated with Makar Sankranti, is said to date back to the Treta Yuga, as mentioned in texts like the Ramcharitmanas. It symbolizes joy and the spirit of celebration.
Zodiac-Specific Rituals
Astrologers have suggested specific rituals and offerings based on one’s zodiac sign to maximize the spiritual benefits:
- Aries: Offer water with yellow flowers, turmeric, and sesame. Donate sesame-jaggery.
- Taurus: Add milk and white flowers to the water offered to the Sun.
- Leo: Offer water with roli and red flowers. Donate gold and jaggery.
- Capricorn: Add blue flowers and sesame to water and donate food to the poor.
Other zodiac signs have their own recommended offerings and acts of charity tailored to bring blessings and prosperity.
Blessings of Surya and Shani
Makar Sankranti celebrates the bond between Sun God (Surya) and Shani Dev, with offerings made to appease both celestial powers. Devotees are encouraged to donate sesame, a favorite of Shani Dev, to seek blessings for honor, prosperity, and relief from obstacles.
As the Sun transitions into its Uttarayan phase, spanning from Capricorn to Gemini, the festival heralds a time of hope, positivity, and new beginnings, with devotees across the country preparing for the sacred rituals of Makar Sankranti.
