The festival of Makar Sankranti, which involves bathing in the river Ganga and indulging in charity, will be celebrated on January 15 this year. Devotees travel from distant places to bathe in the sacred Ganga and other rivers. Scriptures outline essential guidelines for Ganga bathing, and Kashi’s astrologer Pandit Sanjay Upadhyay shares insights into how to worship on this day.
2) Ganga, considered the bestower of salvation and life, should not be polluted by washing dirt or using soap during the bath.
3) Discarding urine and faeces into the Ganga, even unintentionally, not only contaminates the river but also adversely affects human life.
4) During the Ganga bath, avoid washing body dirt into the river, and refrain from washing the clothes worn after the bath in Ganga to avoid committing sins.
5) Additionally, avoid disposing of any puja materials or flower garlands into the Ganga to prevent pollution.
Makar Sankranti holds immense importance in Hinduism. According to Vedic astrology, it signifies the Sun’s entry into Makar Rashi (Capricorn zodiac sign). Devotees believe that by bathing in the Ganga on this occasion, they cleanse themselves of all sins.
On Makar Sankranti, offering sesame laddus and khichdi to God is highly significant. If a river bath is not possible, Pandit Kalki Ram recommends a home bath using Ganga water and the tradition of offering water to the Sun. This revered festival, outlined in religious texts, is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition.
Bathing in the holy Ganga is believed to bring relief from life’s challenges, symbolising the commencement of Sun God’s Uttarayan. Hinduism encourages acts of charity and benevolence on this auspicious day for virtuous outcomes.
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