Happy Makar Sankranti!

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Makar Sankranti

SEASONAL FESTIVAL

JANUARY 14, 2024

Makar Sankranti is celebrated annually on January 14th.

Makar Sankranti (muh-KUR sun-KRAN-thee) is a Hindu solar holiday that marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn (Makar) on its celestial path and honors Surya (the sun god) and Goddess Saraswati. This holiday is noted as the Hindu New Year for many, and is considered to be an auspicious time to pursue new goals and new endeavors. Charity on this day is also a common practice. Celebrations often involve flying kites — the spiritual metaphor explains that as one soars through life, they remain grounded by their connection to a higher power.

FURTHER READING

HAF’s educational reading primer on the Winter Solstice