At the end of a harsh winter, Makar Sankranti ushers in the harvest season every year. Makar Sankranti is a vibrant harvest festival that is celebrated in the month of January and has profound agricultural and religious significance. But not many people know about the captivating story behind the festival and the true significance of Makar Sankranti. So, let's dive in and discover meaningful ways to celebrate Makar Sankranti 2024.

What is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated to commemorate the onset of the harvest season in India. The term is a combination of two words - “Makara” and “Sankranti” that denote the movement of the sun from one zodiac to another. This harvest festival is also considered auspicious as it signifies a transition from winter to spring.

People typically celebrate this day by doing charitable acts, decorating their homes and flying kites. Keep reading to understand the Makar Sankranti importance and history in depth.

When is Makar Sankranti 2024?

Makar Sankranti 2024 will fall on Monday, 15th January. This is because the festival falls a day after the Lohri festival which will be celebrated on 14th January 2024 this time. On this day, people will worship and honour the Sun God and the sun's transition into Tropic of Capricorn. Since 2024 is a leap year, it will affect the date of most festivals. This is the reason Makar Sankranti is falling on 15th instead of 14th January this year.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

In order to understand the importance of Makar Sankranti, you must first understand that India is an agricultural country. Therefore, the harvest season holds immense significance for the farmer communities spread in different parts of the country. In addition, the festival also has religious and spiritual significance as it represents a transitioning period.

It is believed that celebrating this festival can liberate you from suffering and pain and signifies the end of darkness and evil. Lastly, the festival marks the arrival of spring and the migration of the sun from the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn (Makara) through the winter solstice. Thus, the days become longer and it means the end of the harsh winter.

Story of Makar Sankranti

According to Hindu mythology, in the battle of Mahabharata, the great warrior Bhishma refused to leave the earthly realm till the day of Uttarayan. This is because the period of Uttarayan is considered auspicious and celebrated as Makar Sankranti today.

Furthermore, according to some religious texts, those who leave the mortal realm during this period are able to attain Moksha or liberation. This denotes the religious and spiritual significance of Makar Sankranti.

How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2024 Mindfully?

Now that you know the importance of Sankranti festival, here are some eco-friendly and mindful ways that you can celebrate Makar Sankranti 2024.

1. Choose Organic Foods

As you know, Makar Sankranti is incomplete without delicious sweets and snacks. So, indulge in traditional delicacies that are prepared with organic ingredients and freshly harvested crops. Opt for organic foods found in farmer’s markets or shop for mindful eating products like organic sesame seeds and jaggery-based foods at Amala Earth.

2. Use Eco-friendly Decorations

Adorning your home in joyful colours is an important part of the festival. But this year, how about switching to more eco-friendly decorations? Choose torans and buntings made of upcycled fabrics and non-toxic dyes to bring the joy of festivities to your doorstep.

3. Exchange Healthy Gift Hampers

Exchanging gifts and performing acts of charity is an excellent way to spread joy on this auspicious occasion. Choose healthy snack hampers and dry fruits to gift your loved ones this harvest festival. By opting for healthy snacks, you can give a healthy spin to the festivities and mindfully usher in 2024.

4. Wear Sustainable Clothing

Dressing up in vibrant colours is a crucial part of the festivities. However, opting for sustainable and responsible fashion pieces is an earth-friendly way of celebrating the colourful festival.

5. Try Some Gardening

What’s a better way to celebrate a harvest festival than trying your hand at vegetable gardening? Feel the rewarding experience of growing your own fruits and vegetables for Makar Sankranti 2024. This way, you can learn the agricultural importance of Sankranti festival in a deeper way.