Celebrate Makar Sankranti: Do These Things for Health, Wealth, and Spiritual Growth
Makar Sankranti: Bathing, Donation and These Rituals Bring Prosperity: The festival of Makar Sankranti is considered special for worshipping the Sun and performing virtuous deeds. Worshiping the Sun God on this day and performing certain rituals brings auspicious results, positive energy, and financial gain. According to religious beliefs, these rituals performed on Makar Sankranti help alleviate many of life’s problems. According to Hindu scriptures, when the Sun transits from one zodiac sign to another, the event is known as Sankranti.
Significance of Bathing on Makar Sankranti
- Bathing and donating on all Sankrantis are considered highly auspicious.
- Bathing in the Ganga River on Makar Sankranti holds special significance.
- If traveling to a pilgrimage site is not possible, one should bathe at home using clean water.
- If available, adding a few drops of water from holy rivers is believed to promote good health and prosperity.
Rituals to Be Followed Before and on Sankranti
- A day before Sankranti, one should eat only one meal in the afternoon.
- On the day of Sankranti:
- Brush teeth and bathe by mixing sesame seeds (til) in water.
- Alternatively, apply sesame oil or sesame paste to the body before bathing.
Importance of Donation (Daan)
- Donations made on Sankranti yield hundredfold benefits, according to scriptures.
- It is mentioned in ancient texts:
“Maghe Maase Mahadevah Yo Daasyati Ghritkambalam, Sa Bhuktva Sakalan Bhogan Ante Moksham Avaapnuyat.” - On this day, one should donate three vessels containing food or food items to a learned Brahmin.
- If possible, donating a cow in the names of Yama, Rudra, and Dharma is considered highly meritorious.
- If large donations are not feasible, donating fruits or any small offering is still beneficial—what matters is the intention.
Shloka to Recite During Donation
“Yatha bhedam na pashyaami Shiv Vishnu Ark Padmajaan, Tatha mamastu Vishvaatma Shankarah Shankarah sada.”
Meaning:
Just as I see no difference between Shiva, Vishnu, Surya, and Brahma, may that universal soul, Lord Shankar, always bless me and bring welfare.
Foods and Items for Donation
- Makar Sankranti is also known as Khichdi Parv.
- Common items for donation include:
- Urad dal and rice
- Sesame seeds (til)
- Spices, gold, woolen clothes, and blankets
- After completing donations, one should:
- Eat oil-free food
- Feed others according to one’s capacity
Fasting Rules
- According to scriptures, a householder with a son should not observe a fast on:
- Makar Sankranti
- Krishna Ekadashi
- Lunar and solar eclipses
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and symbolizes spiritual awakening, charity, and renewal. By performing bathing, donation, and religious activities with devotion on this auspicious day, one is believed to attain health, prosperity, and spiritual merit.
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