Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 14, 2025, 09:01 AM
Makar Sankranti 2025: When the Sun God, the king of planets, transits in Capricorn i.e. enters Capricorn, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. This festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence in India. On this occasion, there is a law of worshiping the Sun God and it is also known as 'Khichdi Parv'. Today i.e. on 14 January 2025, this holy festival of Makar Sankranti is being celebrated.Religious significance of Makar SankrantiBathing in holy rivers on the day of Makar Sankranti is of special importance. It is believed that bathing in Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and other holy rivers on this day leads to attainment of virtue. Also, donating on this day is also considered to be of special importance. Especially donating sesame, jaggery, khichdi and warm clothes is considered auspicious. It is a religious belief that reciting the story of Makar Sankranti keeps happiness and peace in life. Let us know about the major mythological stories related to Makar Sankranti.The first story of Makar Sankranti: The story of Sun God and Shani DevAccording to a legend mentioned in religious scriptures, Sun God had two wives - Sanjna and Chhaya. Sun God and his wife Chhaya gave birth to Shani Dev. But Sun God hesitated to adopt Shani Dev because of his dark complexion. He showed indifference towards his wife Chhaya and son Shani Dev and separated them. Hurt by this behavior, Chhaya cursed Sun God that he would suffer from leprosy.Due to Chhaya's curse, Sun God realized his mistake. He met his son Shani Dev and expressed love and respect towards him. Shani Dev also welcomed his father with black sesame seeds. As a symbol of this love and harmony, Sun God made Shani Dev the lord of two zodiac signs - Capricorn and Aquarius. Since then, the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year when Sun God enters Capricorn. Offering black sesame seeds to Sun God on this day brings happiness and prosperity in life.Makar Sankranti's second story: The story of Kapil Muni and King SagarAccording to another legend, once upon a time there used to be an influential sage named Kapil Muni. King Sagar's 60,000 sons falsely accused Kapil Muni of stealing Dev Indra's horse. Angered by this, Kapil Muni cursed King Sagar's sons that they would all be reduced to ashes.To get rid of this curse, King Sagar's grandson Anshuman and King Bhagirath performed rigorous penance. Pleased with their penance, Mother Ganga appeared on earth and with the touch of her holy water, King Sagar's 60,000 sons attained salvation. This incident increases the importance of Makar Sankranti even more. According to religious beliefs, bathing in the Ganges on this day frees a person from sins and attains salvation in life.Importance of worship and donation on Makar SankrantiWorshiping the Sun God on the day of Makar Sankranti brings positive energy in life. Donating black sesame seeds, jaggery, khichdi and warm clothes is considered auspicious on this day. There is a religious belief that donations made on this day provide many times more fruits.Along with this, the tradition of flying kites on the occasion of Makar Sankranti is also prevalent in many states of India. Flying kites reflects the happiness and gaiety of this festival.ConclusionMakar Sankranti is not only a religious festival, but it also symbolizes the change of season. From this day the days start getting longer and positivity arrives. According to mythology, the festival of Makar Sankranti is the best time to get the grace and blessings of Sun God. Donating on this day brings happiness, peace and prosperity in life.