14th January – Do you know how important this
date is!? All throughout the country, various states believe this day to be
very auspicious, and celebrate it in their own different ways. The main reason
for Hindus to have faith in this day is because it marks the beginning of the
journey of Lord Surya (Sun God) towards the Northern Hemisphere. As per Hindu
mythology, it is only on this day that Lord Surya visits his son Shani Dev for
a month. Normally, this father-son duo does not get along well. Therefore, this
day also symbolizes a special relationship between father and son.
This is the time of the year when any auspicious work can be
started as it symbolizes the beginning of righteousness and the end of
negativity. This belief is related with the conviction that it is on this day
that Lord Vishnu killed the Asuras and ended their ever increasing terrorism.
Another belief associated with this day is that Bhishma (in
Mahabharata) had a boon from his father for Ichha-Mrityu, meaning death on
one’s own wish. So, Bhishma kept lying on a bed made of arrows, and on this day
he started his journey to Heaven. Thus, it is believed that if someone dies on
this day, he is freed from reincarnation.
With so many Hindu beliefs associated with this date, the 14th
of January every year is celebrated throughout the country in different ways.
Gujarat
Known as ‘Makar Sankranti’, people in Gujarat are seen to be
celebrating this festive day with great enthusiasm and fun by flying kites. Also,
there is a custom followed wherein the adult member of the family gifts the
younger members. Additionally, Gujarati Pandits grant scholarships to the
students of astrology and philosophy for higher education on this day.
Therefore, this festival signifies strong relationships between family, caste
and community in Gujarat.
Maharashtra
The people of Maharashtra exchange til-laddus and tilguls
made of sesame seeds and sugar/jaggery. This practice is followed with the underlying
thought to forget past ill-feelings and conflicts between people, and to take a
pledge to instill sweetness in relationships in the future.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu celebrates this day as ‘Pongal’ which is
considered as the most significant festival of the state, especially for the
farmers. The people here worship their main deity and offer special food
prepared from rice and pulses cooked together in ghee and milk. The Sun God is highly
worshipped on this day by the people in South India.
Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, this is a four day festival known as
‘Pedda Panduga’. The first day is celebrated as Bhogi, second day as Sankranti,
third day as Kanuma, and fourth day as Mukkanuma. All these four day
celebrations signify the time to discard the old and welcome the new, thus
bringing in more light and sunshine in life.
Uttar Pradesh
Known as ‘Khichiri’ in Uttar Pradesh, it is regarded as the
most auspicious day to take a dip in the holy waters of River Ganga. The Magh
Mela held at Pragya (Allahabad) for a period of one month inaugurates on this
day.
Kerala
The Keralites dedicate this day to Lord Ayyappa as the
Anushthana that is performed by the devotees for 40 days ends on this day. This
day is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Sabarimala Temple.
Now, you understand the importance and significance of this
day. So, for any new beginning, mark this day on the calendar. And for any kind
of Puja that you want to perform on this day, you can rely upon MakeMyPuja to
provide you with the most professional Pandits to help you do the Puja with the
correct rituals and ceremonies.
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