When is Makar Sankranti 2023? Date, history, and significance

Makar Sankranti is a major festival for Hindus that is being held to commemorate the arrival of a fresh harvest and is considered an auspicious day to embark upon new endeavors. The harvest festival is observed as a public holiday in many parts of India. Most of the schools and colleges observe a holiday on this day, and various banks also stay closed.

Usually it is held at the start of spring season, usually in January. This year, there is some confusion over the exact date of Makar Sankranti.

According to some astrologers, the sun enters the Makara zodiac sign (Capricorn) on January 14 and hence Makar Sankranti falls on that day. However, according to Drik Panchang, this year Makar Sankranti falls on January 15.


Timings
According to Drik Panchang, the Makara Sankranti Punya Kala will last for 10 hours and 31 minutes, from 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM, on January 15. The Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala will be for one hour and 45 minutes, from 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM.

History and significance
Makar Sankranti is mentioned in two of India's epic texts, the Puranas and the Mahabharata. According to some beliefs, it was the Vedic sage Vishvamitra, who began celebration of this festival, and it is also believed that in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas also participated in such celebrations during their exile. On the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun starts its ascent to the north (Uttarayana) and enters the Capricorn sign (Makara Rasi).

How is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
On this auspicious day, people take a holy dip at the confluence of the Jamuna and Ganga to purify their body and soul. Children fly kites while elders worship the sun god, ask for vigour in life, and also distribute sweets. People also worship the goddess Sankranti on this day. Sankranti slew the demon Sankarasur on this day.