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happy makar sankranti 2023 images

happy makar sankranti 2023

It’s that time of the year again! Makar Sankranti is here once more, and we’re excited to celebrate the wonderful Indian festival with a full heart. Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year on January 14th in India as a harvest festival. It marks the end of winter and ushers in longer days and warmer weather, making it an important milestone in the Hindu calendar.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Makar Sankranti and how you can make the most out of this special day in 2023. Read on to learn more about festivals and celebrations associated with this holiday, traditional food dishes that are prepared for this occasion, and even how you can give back during Makar Sankranti!

What is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the winter solstice. It falls on the 14th of January every year and is celebrated all over India. The day marks the end of the sun’s transit through the Makara Rashi (Capricorn), and the beginning of its journey through the Kumbha Rashi (Aquarius). Makar Sankranti is also known as Uttarayan and is considered to be one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.

On this day, Hindus offer prayers to the Sun god, take holy dips in rivers and lakes, and fly kites. In some parts of India, special sweets and dishes are prepared to mark the occasion. Makar Sankranti is also a time for social gatherings and feasts. Families and friends get together to celebrate this joyous day.

The History of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the transition of the sun into the Makara (Capricorn) zodiac sign on its celestial path. The day also marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, known as uttarayan, and is a time of great joy in India.

Makar Sankranti has been celebrated for centuries and has great religious significance. The Rig Veda, one of the oldest texts in Hinduism, mentions Makar Sankranti as a time when the sun is in harmony with the Capricorn constellation. Makar Sankranti is also mentioned in the Puranas, another set of ancient Hindu texts.

The festival is celebrated all over India, but it holds special meaning in Maharashtra, where it is known as Magh Bihu. On this day, people offer prayers to Lord Sun and exchange gifts with their loved ones. In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Uttarayan, and people fly kites to mark the occasion.

Makar Sankranti is not just a religious festival; it is also a time to celebrate nature’s bounty. In many parts of India, Makar Sankranti coincides with the harvest season, making it an occasion for feasting and thanksgiving. Families get together to enjoy traditional sweets made from newly harvested sugarcane and til (sesame seeds).

So why not join in

The Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated on the 14th of January every year and marks the end of the winter season. Makar Sankranti is also known as the Kite Flying Festival as it is customary to fly kites on this day.

This festival is significant as it signifies the beginning of the harvest season. Makar Sankranti is a time for people to come together and give thanks for a good harvest. It is also a time for people to make new beginnings and start fresh projects.

The festival of Makar Sankranti is also a celebration of love and relationships. On this day, couples exchange gifts and express their love for each other. Families get together to feast on traditional foods and sweets.

How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. It is typically observed on January 14th each year and is also known as Uttarayan. Makar Sankranti is considered an auspicious occasion for Hindus and is often celebrated with special feasts, pujas (worship ceremonies), and other rituals.

There are many different ways to celebrate Makar Sankranti, depending on region and tradition. In some parts of India, Makar Sankranti is marked by flying kites, while in others it may be celebrated with bonfires or special meals. Some common foods associated with Makar Sankranti include sweets made from til (sesame seeds) and jaggery (unrefined sugar), as well as dishes prepared with these ingredients.

Makar Sankranti is also a time for giving thanks to the sun god, Surya. On this day, Hindus will often offer prayers and thank offerings to him. In some cases, people may also fast or perform other religious rituals on this day. Whatever way you choose to celebrate Makar Sankranti, it is sure to be a special and memorable occasion!

Makar Sankranti Recipes

1. Til Ladoo Recipe
   Ingredients:
   -1 cup sesame seeds (til)
   -1 cup jaggery (gur or gud), grated
   -1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (elaichi)
   -1 tablespoon ghee

Method:

1. Heat a pan and dry roast the sesame seeds till they turn light brown in color and release a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let them cool.
2. In the same pan, melt the jaggery on low heat. Keep stirring till the jaggery melts completely. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Now mix the roasted sesame seeds, jaggery syrup, and cardamom powder in a bowl. 4. Add ghee little by little and mix well so that everything binds together nicely.
4. Wet your hands and take small portions of the mixture to shape them into ladoo balls. You can also press them lightly with a spoon to make flat discs or use cookie cutters to shape them into desired shapes like hearts, stars, etc.
5. Store in an airtight container and enjoy these delicious til ladoo for up to 2 weeks!

Conclusion

The festival of Makar Sankranti marks a joyous occasion, full of festivities and celebration. As is customary with all festivals, the spirit of giving and sharing abound on this day. We hope that you have enjoyed celebrating Makar Sankranti in 2021 and will be looking forward to doing so again in 2023! Have a happy and safe Makar Sankranti 2023!

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