In spite of the biting cold weather and sub-zero temperatures, winter is all about festivities. Christmas and New Year kick-start the celebratory atmosphere, followed by harvest festivals known by different names all across the country. Makar Sankranti is one of the most popular harvest festivals that marks a shift in the sun's position. It is celebrated in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. But what exactly is the festival all about? And how and when is it celebrated? Here's all you need to know about Makar Sankranti 2023.
Makar Sankranti 2023: Date And Time Of The Festival
Usually, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14 January every year. But this year, in 2023, Makar Sankranti falls on Sunday, January 15 since the sun's transition starts late at night on Saturday.
Here are the auspicious timings of the festival:
Makara Sankranti Punya Kala - 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM
Duration - 10 Hours 31 Mins
Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala - 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM
Duration - 01 Hour 45 Mins
Makara Sankranti Moment - 08:57 PM, Jan 14
Source: drikpanchang.com
Makar Sankranti 2023: Significance Of Makar Sankranti Celebrations
It is said that on Makar Sankranti, the sun begins its Northward movement, transitioning into 'Capricorn' or 'Makar' rashi as it is known in Hindi. This transition period is also called 'Uttarayan' in Sanskrit. This also signifies that it is time to bid adieu to the harsh cold weather and welcome warmer spring days.
(Also Read: Makar Sankranti 2023: 6 Makar Sankranti Sweets That Spell Indulgence)
Makar Sankranti is synonymous with winter foods and kite flying.
Makar Sankranti coincides with various harvest festival celebrations across the country. In Punjab, there is 'Lohri' and in Haryana, it's called 'Maghi'. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, there is 'Uttarayan', while in Tamil Nadu it's celebrated as 'Pongal'. Assam celebrates it as 'Bihu' while in Bengal, the festival is referred to as 'Poush Sankranti'.
How To Celebrate Makar Sankranti | Foods To Celebrate Sankranti
Traditionally, Makar Sankranti celebrations involve worship of the sun and bathing in the holy water of the Ganges. People also fly kites, donate blankets, and start off auspicious work on this day. Since Makar Sankranti falls in the winter, it is customary to celebrate with a range of delicious foods that keep us warm. Delicacies prepared with til (Sesame) and gur (jaggery) are commonly consumed on Makar Sankranti. Thus, til gud ke laddoo makes for an excellent addition to your Sankranti 2023 celebrations
3 Tips To Make Delicious Til Gud Ke Laddoo For Makar Sankranti 2023
If you are planning to make some wonderful til gud ke laddoos for Makar Sankranti 2023, we have just what you need. Popular YouTuber 'Cook With Parul' recently shared some cooking tips to make halwai-style til gud ke laddoo at home.
- Make sure you continuously stir the til and jaggery so that cook properly and get the right consistency. Always keep the stove on low flame to prevent burning in the process.
- Add a pinch or two of baking soda to the jaggery to make it truly halwai-style. This also gives a lightness and crispness to the laddoos once they are ready. Once the melted jaggery starts to bubble on adding baking soda, you can turn off the stove.
- To prevent hands from burning, simply add the cooked laddoo mixture to a greased plate and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Once it comes to room temperature, you can grease your hands and form the laddoo easily.
Watch the full recipe video of Til Gud ke laddoo for Makar Sankranti 2023 here:
About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.