Lohri on the 13th, Pongal on the 14th Makar Sankranti celebrations set for Jan 15

Jamshedpur: As the festive season unfolds, the upcoming celebrations mark a series of auspicious events, with Lohri on the 13th, Pongal on the 14th, and Makar Sankranti taking center stage on the 15th of January.

Traditionally, Makar Sankranti is observed after the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, as per the scriptures. This year, the celestial transition is scheduled for 15th January at 5:27 am, as the Sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn. The commencement of this festival coincides with the end of the period known as Kharmas, making it an opportune time for various rituals and celebrations.

Pandit Gunanand Jha elucidated on the significance of this celestial alignment, stating that Makar Sankranti holds special importance as the Sun enters the northern hemisphere of the Earth, signifying Uttarayan. According to the scriptures, the festival should not be observed until the Sun completes its journey into Capricorn.

Apart from the traditional festivities, Makar Sankranti is known for its emphasis on rituals such as bathing, meditation, and charity. The day holds the potential for dispelling planetary defects, and as Kharmas concludes with the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, it marks the beginning of a propitious period.