Makar Sankranti, a pivotal festival in the Hindu calendar, is traditionally celebrated on January 14th each year. However, in 2024, this auspicious occasion will be observed on January 15th. The shift in date is due to the Sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makar Rashi) occurring at 2:44 AM on January 14th, 2024. According to the Hindu calendar, which considers the day to begin at sunrise, the festival will be celebrated on the following day.
Understanding the Shift in Date for Makar Sankranti 2024
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan, which holds immense significance in Hindu culture. The festival is a harbinger of longer days and is said to bring good fortune and auspicious beginnings. It is a time when many important activities, which are halted during the preceding month, resume. This includes weddings, housewarmings, and other significant rituals.
Auspicious Timings and Rituals on Makar Sankranti
The timing for the holy bath, known as Punyakal, on Makar Sankranti 2024 begins at 10:15 AM and ends at 5:40 PM on January 15th. A more auspicious period within this, known as Mahapunyakal, is observed from 12:15 PM to 6:00 PM. Bathing in holy rivers during these timings is believed to be especially beneficial and is a key ritual of the festival.
The Unique Astronomical Alignment on Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti 2024 will witness a unique alignment of celestial bodies. The Sun will be in the Capricorn zodiac sign, accompanied by favorable astral combinations like Shash Yoga, Variyan Yoga, Vashi Yoga, and Sunpha Yoga. These alignments are considered highly auspicious for initiating new ventures, making charitable donations, embarking on pilgrimages, and engaging in spiritual activities like reading sacred texts.
Furthermore, the Moon will be in the Aquarius sign during the Punyakal of Makar Sankranti, adding to the auspiciousness of the day. Traditionally, this is also an ideal time for Sun worship and performing special rituals in honor of Lord Shiva.
The Significance of Charity on Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is widely known for the emphasis it places on the act of giving. It is believed that donations made on this day bear immense spiritual merit. The Mahabharata narrates an instance where Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, highlights the importance of charity, particularly at the time of death. He suggests that it’s the act of giving, done with a pure heart and to the right recipient, that remains a constant companion to the soul even after death.
Insights from the Atharvaveda on Makar Sankranti
The Atharvaveda, one of the four sacred Vedas in Hinduism, sheds light on the philosophy of charity, especially relevant on Makar Sankranti. It encourages earning with hundreds of hands (symbolic of hard work and effort) and giving away with thousands (emphasizing generosity). The scripture underscores various forms of charity – financial, educational, labor, knowledge, organ donation, blood donation, etc., each holding unique significance and benefit.
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