As the winter chill reaches its peak, India prepares for one of its most auspicious and vibrant festivals: Makar Sankranti. For our readers at Kirtankar.com, this isn’t just a change of season; it is a spiritual transition, a celebration of the Sun God (Surya Dev), and a time for community bonding.
Whether you are looking for the perfect rangoli for makar sankranti, the history behind the festival, or the best makar sankranti wishes marathi, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
What is Makar Sankranti? Understanding the Significance
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated in almost all parts of India and Nepal in a myriad of cultural forms. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path.
Unlike most Hindu festivals which follow the lunar cycle, Makar Sankranti follows the solar cycle. Therefore, it falls on the same Gregorian date almost every year usually January 14th or 15th.
The Spiritual & Scientific Meaning
From a spiritual perspective, this period marks the beginning of Uttarayan (the Sun’s northward journey), which is considered a time of divinity. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited specifically for this auspicious period to leave his mortal body.
Scientifically, this day marks the end of long winter nights and the beginning of longer days. It is a harvest festival, celebrating the arrival of fresh crops.
Rituals: Til-Gul, Kites, and Holy Dips
Before we get to the wishes and images, it is essential to understand how the festival is celebrated.
- Holy Bath: Millions take a dip in holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari.
- Til-Gul (Sesame and Jaggery): The most famous slogan for this festival is the Marathi phrase: “Til gul ghya, god god bola” (Accept this sesame and jaggery and speak sweet words). Sesame keeps the body warm during winter, and jaggery boosts immunity.
- Kite Flying: Especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the skies are filled with colorful kites. This was traditionally done to expose the body to the morning sun to get Vitamin D after a cold winter.
Rangoli for Makar Sankranti: Welcoming Prosperity
Search trends show that many of you are looking for rangoli for makar sankranti. A clean entrance decorated with Rangoli is believed to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Here are three trending themes for your Rangoli this year:
- The Kite Pattern: Draw three to four kites entangled with a spool (manjha). Use bright colors like orange, pink, and yellow.
- The Haldi-Kumkum Design: Since this festival is huge for married women (Suvasinis), designs featuring Haldi-Kumkum containers and sugarcane are very popular.
- The Peacock Motif: A classic design that signifies beauty and grace, often filled with deep blues and greens.
The Ultimate Collection: Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes
Top 10 English Wishes
- “May the Sun God fill your life and home with sunshine and happiness. Happy Makar Sankranti!
- “Here’s hoping that the rising sun of Makar Sankranti fills your life with abundant joy and prosperity.
- “Hope the rising sun on Makar Sankranti fills your life with abundant joy and prosperity. Best wishes of makar sankranti to you and your family.”
- “May your life be as colorful as the kites in the sky. Happy Makar Sankranti!”
- “On this auspicious day, I wish makar sankranti brings you new goals, new dreams, and new achievements.”
- “Let go of all the negativity and hold onto the sweet memories of the past. Happy Makar Sankranti wish to you!”
- “Warmth of sesame and sweetness of jaggery—may these define your year ahead.”
- “May you soar high with success just like your beautiful kites today.”
- “Sending you the warmth of the bonfire and the sweetness of Til-Gul.”
- “A new beginning, a new destination, with happiness or sorrow, with pain or pleasure. Happy Makar Sankranti!”
Makar Sankranti Wishes Marathi: Celebrating Tradition
For the Marathi community and our core audience at Kirtankar.com, the festival is incomplete without greetings in our mother tongue.
Here are the best wishes in Marathi language:
The Classic Greeting
- “तिळगुळ घ्या, गोड गोड बोला! मकर संक्रांतीच्या तुम्हाला आणि तुमच्या परिवाराला हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!” (Translation: Accept this Til-Gul and speak sweetly. Best wishes for Makar Sankranti to you and your family!)
For Friends and Family
“नाते तुमचे आमचे, हळुवार जपणूकीचे, तिळगुळाच्या गोडीने, अधिक दृढ करण्याचे… मकर संक्रांतीच्या गोड शुभेच्छा!”
Spiritual/Kirtan Style
“मकर संक्रांतीचा सण घेऊन येवो तुमच्या आयुष्यात सुख, समृद्धी आणि शांतीची पहाट. शुभ मकर संक्रांती!”
Short & Sweet (For WhatsApp Status)
“कडू आठवणी विसरून जाऊ, चला, एकमेकांशी गोड बोलू. हॅप्पी मकर संक्रांती!”
Formal Wish
“सूर्यमालेतील बदलाचे हे पर्व, आपल्या आयुष्यात घेऊन येवो आनंद सर्व. मकर संक्रांतीच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!”
Share the Joy: Makar Sankranti Images and Pics
On the auspicious morning of Sankranti, after your holy bath, it is beneficial to recite the Gajanan Maharaj Aarti to start your day with positivity.