Makara
Sankranti
Following observances are prescribed on the occasion of Makara Sankranti in
addition to local or family traditions.
1. Snana
रविसंक्रमणे प्राप्ते न
स्नायाद् यस्तु मानवः।
सप्तजन्मनि रोगी स्यान्निर्धनशैव
मानवः॥
One
who does not bathe on the occasion on Sankranti becomes sick and poor in
seven births.
One should bathe in river or pond, preferably sacred rivers like Ganga. If
no river is available, take bath at home after purifying water with any name of
Bhagavan.
2. Daana
संक्रान्तौ यानि दत्तानि हव्यकव्यानि
दातृभिः।
तानि नित्यं
ददात्यर्कः पुनर्जन्मनि जन्मनि॥
Daana given on the occasion of Sankranti, and Havya (oblation to the Devatas)
and kavya (offering to pitrs) lasts for many janmas by the grace of Surya
Bhagavan.
3. Apindaka-Shraddha
The people entitled to do shraddha should perform
it without pinda on Sankranti day.
4. Upavaasa
(Fasting)
Fasting for one day (on the day of Sankranti) or
for 3 days is enjoined on the occasion of Sankranti.
Grhasthas with Children should not fast on this occasion.
5. Shivapuja
Bhagavan Shiva should be worshipped on the day of
Sankranti with lamp lit with sesame oil.
6. Tila Dana
After shivapuja, tila(sesame) and Dakshina should
be given to brahmanas who have knowledge of Veda.
7. Tila Bhakshana
One should eat Tila (Sesame) with Pancha Gavya on
the day of Makara Sankranti.
