Sankranti 2024 Hindu Calendar
As we approach the year 2024, many Hindus are excitedly preparing for the upcoming Sankranti festival, which marks the beginning of the harvest season in India. Sankranti is a highly celebrated festival in Hinduism and is observed with great enthusiasm and joy in different parts of India. In this article, we will take a deeper look at the Sankranti 2024 Hindu calendar and explore the various events and festivals that are associated with it.
What is Sankranti?
Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn or Makar, which is considered to be a highly auspicious time in Hinduism. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and is considered to be a time of new beginnings, prosperity, and renewal.
Sankranti 2024 Hindu Calendar
In the year 2024, Sankranti will be celebrated on the 14th of January, as usual. However, the festival will have some unique features that make it stand out from previous years. For example, in some parts of South India, Sankranti is celebrated for four days, and each day has its own significance. Let’s take a closer look at the various events and festivals that are associated with Sankranti 2024.
List of Events and Festivals in Sankranti 2024 Hindu Calendar
1. Bhogi 2. Surya Pongal 3. Mattu Pongal 4. Kaanum Pongal 5. Makara Jyothi
Describe in Detail the Celebration of Events and Festivals for Sankranti 2024
1. Bhogi: Bhogi is the first day of the Sankranti festival and is celebrated in honor of Lord Indra, the god of rain. On this day, people light bonfires and discard old belongings and clothes to symbolize new beginnings. They also prepare special dishes such as pongal and sugarcane to mark the occasion.
2. Surya Pongal: Surya Pongal is the second day of the festival and is dedicated to the sun god, Surya. On this day, people decorate their houses with colorful rangolis and prepare special dishes such as sweet pongal, vada, and sambar. They also offer prayers and perform rituals to honor the sun god.
3. Mattu Pongal: Mattu Pongal is the third day of the festival and is dedicated to the cows and bulls, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. On this day, cattle are bathed, decorated, and worshipped as a sign of gratitude for their contribution to agriculture. People also organize bull-taming events and traditional games to mark the occasion.
4. Kaanum Pongal: Kaanum Pongal is the fourth and final day of the festival and is a day of relaxation and enjoyment. On this day, people visit their relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods such as sugarcane and sweet pongal. They also go on picnics and participate in cultural events and games.
5. Makara Jyothi: Makara Jyothi is a special event that takes place at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala during the Sankranti festival. It is a highly anticipated event and is considered to be a divine sighting of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of the temple. Devotees from all over India flock to the temple to witness this event and seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.
Question and Answer (FAQs) about Sankranti 2024 Hindu Calendar
Q. What is the significance of Sankranti in Hinduism? A. Sankranti is considered to be a highly auspicious time in Hinduism as it marks the transition of the sun into a new zodiac sign. It is believed to be a time of new beginnings, prosperity, and renewal.
Q. Why is Sankranti celebrated for four days in South India? A. In South India, Sankranti is celebrated for four days to mark the different stages of the harvest season. Each day has its own significance and is celebrated with unique rituals and traditions.
Q. What are some traditional foods that are prepared during Sankranti? A. Some traditional foods that are prepared during Sankranti include pongal, vada, sambar, sugarcane, and sweet pongal.
Q. What is Makara Jyothi? A. Makara Jyothi is a special event that takes place at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala during the Sankranti festival. It is considered to be a divine sighting of Lord Ayyappa, the presiding deity of the temple.
Q. What are some traditional games that are played during Sankranti? A. Some traditional games that are played during Sankranti include kite flying, bull-taming, and pot-breaking.
In conclusion, Sankranti 2024 is a highly anticipated festival in Hinduism that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in different parts of India. It is a time of new beginnings, prosperity, and renewal, and is marked by unique rituals, traditions, and events. By understanding the significance of Sankranti and its associated festivals, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of India.