Makar Sankranti 2019 is on January 15, here’s all you need to know about it

Makar Sankranti - the first Hindu festival of the year - this time will be observed on January 15, a day after than usual date. This festival marks the beginning of auspicious six months period known as Uttaarayan. The Punya Kaal muhurta of Makar Sankranti 2019 will starts from 7:19 am and end at 12:30 pm on January 15, according to Drikpanchang. This duration will be the best time for devotees to perform activities like taking bath, offering Naivedhya (offering food to God) to Lord Surya, giving Dakshina (or doing charity).

Prayagraj: Devotees take holy dip at Triveni Sangam on #MakarSankranti. pic.twitter.com/ScUasVPW4i

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 14, 2019

What is Makar Sankranti

Makara Sankranti, also known as Maghi, marks the first day of sun’s transit into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). It also marks the beginning of summer which means the start of longer days. The festival of Makar Sankranti is dedicated to the Lord Sun and hence all the auspicious activities are performed after the sunrise i.e. during the day time. If the muhurta of Makar Sankranti falls during the evening or after the sunset, then all the auspicious activities are postponed till the next morning.

What to do on Makar Sankranti

People take a holy dip in rivers on this auspicious day because it is believed that doing so would absolve you of all your past sins. After seeking the blessing of the Sun, people enjoy sweets dishes made of jaggery and sesame, jaggery and rice pudding, etc. There is a ritual of sharing these sweets with relatives and close friends.