Makar Sankranti 2024: Surya Arghya To Donations, Activities To Seek Blessings Of Sun God

Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 15 this year, is a festival dedicated to harvest and observed with various traditions. The festival involves the preparation of special dishes, kite-flying, acts of charity, and worship of the sun god. Marking the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, Makar Sankranti holds cultural and astrological significance. According to media reports, the sun is expected to enter Capricorn at 2:45 am on January 15, accompanied by the auspicious period of Ravi Yoga from 7:15 am to 8:07 am. During this yoga, worshipping the sun god is believed to alleviate life’s challenges.

Astrologer Chakarpani Bhatt from Kashi provides insights into auspicious activities for Makar Sankranti, which falls between sunrise and 9:00 am on the designated day.

Bath and Surya Arghya:

Initiate the day with a purifying bath on Makar Sankranti, preferably in the holy waters of the Ganga. For those unable to visit the Ganga, adding Ganga water to a home bathtub is an alternative. Following the bath, don red or yellow attire and offer Arghya (water oblation) to the Sun God. The Arghya, comprising water in a copper pot with added red sandalwood, jaggery, and red hibiscus or any red-coloured flower, is offered while chanting the Sun God mantras. This ritual can be adopted daily for continued prosperity and happiness.

Worship of the Sun:

After the Arghya ritual, engage in the worship of the Sun god by reciting Surya Stuti. This act is believed to bestow blessings for good health, prosperity, success, mental clarity, courage, and positive energy, aligning with Hindu traditions.

Donations on Makar Sankranti:

Following the Surya Puja, extend charitable gestures by donating items such as black sesame seeds, jaggery, wheat or Saptadhana, warm clothes, blankets, ghee, copper utensils, or copper and gold. The act of donating black sesame seeds is particularly emphasized as it is believed to invoke blessings from both the Sun god and Saturn, with Capricorn being the house of Shani Dev on Makar Sankranti.

By adhering to these auspicious activities, individuals can seek the blessings of the Sun god and usher in prosperity, health, and joy during the festival of Makar Sankranti.