Makar Sankranti 2024: Know Right Date and Importance

Importance Of Uttarayan/ Makar Sankranti 2024

 Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita,

 agnirjyotirahaḥśuklaḥ

ṣaṇ-māsāuttarāyaṇam

tatraprayātāgacchanti

brahma brahma-vidojanāḥ

 Translation

Those who know the Supreme Brahman attain that Supreme by passing away from the world during the influence of the fiery god, in the light, at an auspicious moment of the day, during the fortnight of the waxing moon, or during the six months when the sun travels in the north.

So, we must put in our efforts to know about the Supreme Personality of the Godhead and we should try to serve the Supreme Lord on this auspicious day so we may also be able to have a transcendental end to this life. This festival is celebrated all across India as a festival of Food, So It is considered very auspicious to donate for the Prasadam Distribution of the Lord. 

Makar Sankranti 2024 Celebrations Across India

 India is a country of unity in diversity that celebrates this day as a harvest festival in their unique special way.

Lohri & Maghi – Punjab

People hold a special place in their hearts for Lohri, a colorful and joyful harvest festival celebrated mainly in northern India, as they gather to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. Lohri 2024, an agricultural festival, is marked by dancing, traditional folk music, and bonfires. But the strong ties Lohri has to charity make it unique. The custom of giving out candies, almonds, and other offerings brings the spirit of generosity to life as families congregate around the bonfire.

Furthermore, a lot of communities use this chance to plan charitable events like distributing food to everyone, highlighting the significance of helping those in need. This charitable side of Lohri highlights the festival’s larger significance and turns it into a celebration of plenty.

 Pongal – Tamil Nadu

Pongal 2024 is a major harvest festival observed in Tamil Nadu, in southern India. It is a time of great festivity and gratitude. The term “Pongal” itself refers to the boiling over of the first harvested rice in a pot, signifying abundance and prosperity, and it signifies the end of the traditional farming season. To celebrate the abundant harvest, families get together to cook a special dish called “Pongal,” which is made with freshly harvested rice, jaggery, and other ingredients. 

The spirit of Pongal is also strongly ingrained with charity, as communities participate in deeds of kindness by feeding the less fortunate. Numerous people and groups conduct food drives, giving away clothing, food, and other necessities to those in need while promoting a feeling of community. Pongal, therefore, not only celebrates agricultural abundance but also highlights the importance of sharing and caring for the less privileged during this auspicious time.

Magh Bihu – Assam

The lively and important festival of Magh Bihu, also called Bhogali Bihu, is eagerly observed in the Indian state of Assam, which is located in the northeast. It falls in the month of Magh (January), signaling the end of the harvest season and giving communities a chance to celebrate and give thanks for the abundant harvests. The preparation of special feasts featuring traditional Assamese delicacies, traditional folk dances, and bonfire lighting are the festival’s defining features.

 Magh Bihu is unique in that it uses charity to celebrate the spirit of the community. Families, friends, and neighbors gather to exchange harvests and perform deeds of kindness, making sure that the celebrations go beyond individual happiness to the benefit of the community. food, clothing, and necessities donations to the underprivileged.