On this Friday 14th January 2022, the Hindu community is celebrating Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is considered a day of happiness and prosperity by Hindus. It is believed that taking a bath in the Ganges on this day is auspicious. Devotees also pay tribute to the Sun God and express gratitude towards him for blessing us with his warm and glowing rays. The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names in the different states of India such as Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi in Punjab, Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Uttarayan in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.
This year, the festival marks the day that the sun transits into Makara Rashi or Capricorn zodiac. As per the solar calendar, it may vary between the 14th and 15th January. The festival also marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest season.
On this day, as mentioned earlier, prayers dedicated to Surya Dev (Lord of the Sun) is observed along with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi throughout India and rice and pulses from the new harvest is offered in the form of Kheer to the deity. In various regions in India, colourful kites are flown in the sky without forgetting the Katti Patang competition.
In Mauritius, on that auspicious day the traditional Kitchiri is on the Menu.
On this note, we wish everyone a very Happy Makar Sankranti.
