Makar Sankranti is a major and sacred festival of Hindu religion, which is celebrated every year in the month of Magh when Sun God enters Capricorn. On this day, Surya Uttarayan occurs, which is considered very auspicious from religious point of view. Uttarayan is called the period of Gods, hence the results of virtuous deeds done on Makar Sankranti increase manifold. For this reason, special importance has been given to bathing, charity, worship and chanting on this day.
It is believed that bathing in holy rivers on the day of Makar Sankranti destroys sins and infuses positive energy in life. On this day, Sun God is duly worshiped and Arghya is offered to him. According to Hindu scriptures, donations made on Makar Sankranti have been said to be “Akshaya Punya”, i.e. its fruits never end. In many states of North India, there is a tradition of making and eating Khichdi on this day. That’s why it is also called Khichdi festival at many places.
The time after sunset on the day of Makar Sankranti is also considered especially auspicious. It is mentioned in religious texts that doing some special work at this time brings happiness and prosperity in the house. Worshiping Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi after sunset is considered extremely fruitful. Lighting a lamp in the temple or under a Peepal tree in the evening is considered an auspicious sign. Apart from this, lighting a continuous lamp of ghee in front of Laddu Gopal maintains peace and happiness in the family.
Lighting a lamp at the main entrance of the house on this day is also considered auspicious, which removes negative energy and ushers in positivity. Lighting a lamp near the Tulsi plant increases wealth, health and prosperity in life. It is believed that by the grace of Tulsi Mata there is never any shortage in the house.
While on one hand there is importance of auspicious works on Makar Sankranti, on the other hand it is also advised to avoid some things. Traveling towards the south on this day is considered inauspicious. Also, insulting elders is prohibited. One should maintain distance from tamasic foods like meat, fish, alcohol and garlic-onion. Lying, getting angry and using harsh words are also considered inauspicious on this day.
