Makar Sankranthi 2018

Makar Sankranti is a significant day as the Sun enters the Makar Rashi as per Vedic astrology. In Hinduism, the Sun is revered as Surya Deva who nourishes all living beings on the Earth. Although all twelve days in Hindu calendar when Surya Deva transits a Rashi are considered significant for worshipping Surya Deva, taking religious bath in holy water bodies and performing charity activities but the day when Surya Deva starts moving into Makar Rashi is considered the most auspicious day of the year to worship Lord Surya.

The time between Makar Sankranti and 40 Ghatis (roughly 16 hours for Indian locations if we consider 1 Ghati duration as 24 minutes) from the time of Makar Sankranti is considered good for auspicious work. This duration of forty Ghatis is known as Punya Kaal. Sankranti activities, like offering Naivedhya (food offered to deity) to Lord Surya, offering charity or Dakshina, performing Shraddha rituals and breaking fast or Parana, should be done during Punya Kaal.

Read more about What is Sankranti and Importance of Sankranti

If Makar Sankranti happens after Sunset then all Punya Kaal activities are postponed till next day Sunrise. Hence all Punya Kaal activities should be done during the day time.

In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti or Sankranthi is known as Pongal. In Gujarat and Rajasthan Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayana. In Haryana and Punjab Makar Sankranti is known as Maghi.

Sankranti Punya Kaal is different for all cities. Hence it is important to set your location first before noting down Sankranti Muhurta.