Sakharayapatna Ranganathaswamy Jatre: A Sacred Confluence of Devotion and Tradition - The Grand Rathotsava - Chariot Festival Located in the heart of Sakharayapatna village in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, the Sri Shakuna Ranganathaswamy Temple stands as a revered center of devotion. Dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu in his Ranganatha Swamy form, the temple has long been a spiritual anchor for devotees across the region. Shakuna Ranganathaswamy Temple Jatre – Chariot Festival 2027 date is January 15. Every year in January, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti, the temple becomes the focal point of a grand annual jatre (fair), drawing devotees, pilgrims, and visitors from far and wide. Rituals and Sacred Ceremonies The festival is marked by a sequence of deeply symbolic rituals that reflect both devotion and ancient traditions. Mola Biduvudu This ritual involves offerings and symbolic release, representing surrender to the divine will. Devotees participate w...

Sri Shankaranarayana Jatre: A Sacred Ten-Day Celebration of Devotion in Udupi The annual Jatre of the Sri Shankaranarayana Temple (Kundapura Shri Shankara Narayana Temple) in Shankaranarayana on Kundapura - Agumbe highway road, Udupi district, Karnataka, is one of the most significant religious gatherings in the region. Celebrated every year from January 9th to January 18th, this temple fair is observed with deep devotion, traditional discipline, and vibrant festivities. Thousands of devotees gather during these ten days to seek the blessings of Lord Shankaranarayana, the unified form of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Udupi Sri Shankaranarayana Temple Jatre festival 2027 date is January 9 to January 18. The rathotsava or chariot festival takes place on January 16, 2027. Spiritual Significance of the Deity The presiding deity of the temple, Sri Shankaranarayana Temple , represents the harmonious unity of Shiva and Vishnu. This form symbolizes the essential oneness of the divine, a conc...

Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple Jathara Utsava - Nine Days of Devotion, Rituals, and Rathotsava The annual Jathara Utsava of Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple at Vitla is one of the most revered temple festivals of coastal Karnataka. Celebrated with deep devotion and collective participation, this grand festival begins on Sankranti, January 14 or 15, and continues for the next eight days, making it a nine-day spiritual observance dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Panchalingeshwara form. Vitla Shri Panchalingeshwara Temple Annual Festival 2027 is from January 15 to January 23. Spiritual Significance of the Festival In Hindu tradition, temple festivals are not merely celebrations but sacred opportunities for devotees to renew their bond with the Divine. The Agamas emphasize that utsavas allow the deity to bless devotees beyond the sanctum. As stated in the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 Verse 26: “Whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I accept that offering m...

Every year, the historic Srirangapatna Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Mandya in Karnataka becomes a radiant center of devotion during the Pushya month when the grand Makar Sankranti Brahmotsavam is celebrated. Laksha Deepotsava 2027 date is January 15. Devotees from across regions gather to participate in these deeply symbolic rituals that honor Lord Ranganatha, a serene reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The festival reflects the spiritual transition marked by Uttarayana, the period considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. The Significance of Uttarayana Uttarayana, the sun’s northward journey, is regarded in Hindu scriptures as a sacred phase when divine grace flows abundantly. It is also associated with new beginnings, clarity, and inner elevation. A relevant verse from the Bhagavad Gita speaks of this sacred passage: "Fire, light, daytime, the bright fortnight, and the six months of the northward path of the sun lead the knower of Brahman to Brahman." (Bhagavad Gita 8...

Makar Sankranti Sun Rays Touch Feet Of Hanuman Every year, during Makar Sankranti, marking the beginning of the Uttarayana Punya Kala, a grand Pancharatra Agama-style festival is celebrated with great fervor on the outskirts of Vandaraguppe village in Channapatna taluk, Ramanagara district, adjacent to the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway. On the first day of this period, sun rays touch the feet of the deity, which is considered highly auspicious. The famous cattle fair also takes place during this time. Ayyana Gudi Cattle Fair Known popularly as the "Ayyana Gudi Cattle Fair", the event draws cattle sellers and buyers not only from within the district but also from neighboring districts and even other states. The fair lasts for several weeks. A local belief associated with the origin of this fair tells of a poor farmer who once stayed overnight at the temple premises with his cow due to the presence of thick forest (Hulimuttige forest) surrounding the area. The next morning, th...

Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti or Makar Sankrant, is one of the highly auspicious days in a Hindu calendar and the day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (Sun God). Makar Sankranti 2027 date is January 15. Punyakaal or time for puja and to take holy bath is from 9:07 PM on January 14, 2027. ( Many rituals will be undertaken on January 15 morning in many regions - time to take bath is in the morning of January 15 at sunrise ). Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun enters into the zodiac Capricorn or Makara. It is also known as Uttarayana Punyakalam and heralds the arrival of spring season. In Western India Punya Kaal time is from 9:07 PM on January 14. Please note Sankranti in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is marked on January 15. What is Makar Sankranti? Makar Sankranti is an auspicious day based on the movement of the Sun (Surya). ‘Makar’ or ‘Makara’ refers to ‘Makara  rashi’ – the zodiac corresponding to Capricorn.  ‘Sankranti’ in ...

During Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the appearance of Haridas and Gangireddu (Bull) with Basavanna becomes a common sight. Haridas, a revered figure, embarks on a tradition of visiting houses, singing songs, and seeking alms. Adorned in vibrant attire, Haridas is a captivating sight with bangles on his hands, anklets on his feet, and a silk dhoti elegantly draped around him. A silk scarf is tied around his waist, complemented by a flower necklace adorning his neck, and a neat tilak gracing his forehead. Accompanying Haridas are the adorned Bulls, meticulously decorated with colorful clothes, ornaments, and vibrant colors. These Bulls are not just mere animals but are trained to perform various actions under the guidance of their master. From bowing down to saying Namaskaram, nodding their heads to indicate yes or no, and even a bit of dancing, they exhibit a display of trained behavior. As Haridas and his entourage visit homes, people eagerly offer alms in the form of o...

The centuries-old ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ (mock hunting festival) is a significant event observed at the Ahobilam Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh. Celebrated during ‘Kanuma’ (a day after Makar Sankranti), this festival involves the deity from the shrine spending 40 days in the 32 tribal hamlets around Ahobilam. Paruveta Utsavam 2027 at Ahobilam Temple begins on January 16. Historical and Cultural Context Temple and Deity : The festival is celebrated at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in the town of Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Origins : According to folklore, Lord Vishnu, in his Narasimha avatar, married Maha Lakshmi, who was born as a tribal girl named Chenchu Lakshmi. The Kurnool District Gazetteers (1881) document several beliefs of the Chenchu tribes, including their reverence for Ahobila Narasimha as their brother-in-law, whom they invite home for Makara Sankranti. Modern-Day Relevance Communal Harmony : The ...

The Galtaji Temple, situated in the vibrant city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, holds a special significance, particularly during the Makar Sankranti. This historic temple is renowned for its natural springs, and the spirituality associated with it draws devotees and visitors alike. Jaipur Galtaji Temple Makar Sankranti festival 2027 date is January 15. The temple complex features seven sacred tanks, with the Galta Kund holding a special place as the holiest among them. One intriguing aspect of these tanks is that the Galta Kund never goes dry, symbolizing the enduring sacredness of the site. A sun temple here makes the occasion even more auspicious. Devotees worship the sun god, Surya Bhagavan, and then take holy dip in the pond. Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated in various parts of India, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. In Jaipur, this festival takes on a special charm at Galtaji Temple. Pilgrims from far and wide gather to partake in the religiou...

Bhogi and Lohri are festivals celebrated in various parts of India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. It is usually held on January 13 and January 14. The bonfires during Bhogi and Lohri hold significant symbolism, reflecting cultural and agricultural traditions. Let's delve deeper into the symbolism and meaning behind these bonfires: End of Winter: Bhogi and Lohri is typically observed a day before the main festival of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. Both festivals fall around the same time as the winter solstice, marking the end of the winter season. The bonfires are lit to bid farewell to the cold days and welcome the longer, warmer days of spring. Symbol of Light and Heat: The bonfires symbolize the return of the sun's warmth and light after the cold winter months. In a metaphorical sense, the sun is celebrated as a powerful source of energy and life. This symbolism underscores ...

Lohri is a popular winter folk festival celebrated primarily in the northern regions of India, especially in the state of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It marks the end of the winter season and the arrival of longer days. Lohri is usually celebrated on the 13th of January each year. One traditional story associated with Lohri revolves around a person named Dulla Bhatti, who lived during the reign of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. Dulla Bhatti was a hero among the Punjabi people, known for his courage and generosity. According to the legend, Dulla Bhatti was a Robin Hood-like figure who rescued girls from being forcibly taken away and sold as slaves. Lohri is associated with several historical stories, but the main folklore connected to it is that of Dulla Bhatti, a courageous warrior during the Mughal era who stood against the increasing atrocities of the Mughals. It is said that a Mughal commander wanted to forcibly marry two Brahmin ...

Ganga Sagar Mela held annually during Makar Sankranti on Sagar Island , the spot where the holy River Ganga merges into the Bay of Bengal , attracts thousands of Hindus from around the world. There is a reason why we Hindus perform tarpan and other rituals in Ganga here and visit the Kapilamuni Ashram and temple on its banks. The story found in the Puranas associated with Gangasagar Mela is related to the arrival of Ganga from heaven to earth. Legend has it that the ancestors of King Bhagirat had performed intense Tapas to bring Ganga down to earth to wash away the sins of his ancestors and help them attain Moksha. The ancestors of King Bhagirat had to face the anger of sage Kapila for intruding into his area and accusing him of stealing the horse that they were following. An angry Sage Kapila opened his eyes and they were turned into ashes by his curse at the spot where the present Kapilamuni Ashram is located. King Bhagirat performed the austerities for ...

Salutations and adorations to the Supreme Lord, the primordial power that divided the year into the four seasons. Salutations to Surya, the Sun God, who on this great day of Makar Sankranti embarks on his northward journey (Uttarayana). The sun, symbolizing wisdom, divine knowledge and spiritual light, which receded from you when you reveled in the darkness of ignorance, delusion and sensuality, now joyously turns on its northward course and moves towards you to shed its light and warmth in greater abundance, and to infuse into you more life and energy. The sun signifies knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to joyously let the light within us shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the sun does from this day. Swami Sivananda Seekers of Truth, aspirants on the path of Yoga, devotees of God, lo...

The Makar Sankranti festival that is observed on January 15, 2027 in India is famous for a unique ritual in Uttarakhand. Makar Sankranti is known as Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, here and it welcomes birds back from the winter migration. In fact Ghughuti itself is the name of a bird exclusive to Uttarakhand. Uttarayani, which marks the beginning of the northward journey of sun or Surya, is noted for the return of migratory birds to the hills of Uttarakhand. Makar Sankranti is also known as Kale Kauva means ‘black crow.’ People make Deep-fried sweets from sweetened flour (flour and gur) and shape them like drums, pomegranates, knives, swords and are strung into a necklace. On the morning of Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, children wear the deep fried sweets as necklaces and sing a folk song associated with Kale Kauva to attract black crows and other birds and offer them pieces of the deep fried sweets. This is to welcome the birds back from their migration.

Parashuram Kund or lake is located near Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh and thousands of people perform holy bath here during Makar Sankranti . In 2027, Makar Sankranti Snan is on the morning of January 15. As per Kalika Purana, Parashuram , the six avatar of Hindu God Vishnu, washed away the sin of killing of his mother ( Goddess Renuka ) by bathing in the waters of this lake also known as Brahma kund. Devotees after taking holy dip also visit the remains of an ancient temple at Malinithan on the day. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. Malinithan is located near Likabali on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra . Over a hundred carved images including that of Surya, Goddess Parvati and a huge Nandi bull are the main attraction in the temple. Parasuram Kund is on River Lohit and is around 15 km northeast of Tezu the headquarters of Lohit District. 

The Sankranti festival in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is spread over four days. Sankranthi, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a harvest festival dedicated to Lord Surya and is an important festival in Telugu culture. The festival which begins with Bhogi culminates on the fourth day with Mukkanuma. In 2027, the date of Mukkanuma is January 17. Mukkanuma is observed on the day after Kanuma festival and is dedicated to feasting and merry making. No major rituals or pujas are held on the day. It is fun filled and is the last day of Sankranti celebrations. Today, the day is also skipped by many people. In some regions, people visit distant relatives and friends on the day.

Kanuma, also known as Pasuvula Panduga, is observed on the third day of the Sankranthi festival in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the people of Gokulam on this day. In 2027 Kanuma is on January 16. It is of great importance to the Telugu community and is observed in the Telugu month of Pushya. Mukkanuma is observed the day after Kanuma and is primarily a day of feasting and merry making. Kanuma festival is quite similar to the Mattu Pongal observed in Tamil Nadu. The festival is dedicated to cows, bulls and other animals that are part of agrarian economy. Cattle and cattle sheds are cleaned on the day. Cows are decorated with marigold flowers and are worshipped. Sun (Surya), Mahabali (the king who sacrificed everything to Vamana incarnation of Vishnu) and Godadevi are also worshipped during the festival. In Hindu mythology, Kanuma is the day when Lord Krishna performed the miracle of lifting the...

The popular Makar Sankranti festival in India is known as Khichdi Parv in Uttar Pradesh and several parts of North India. Sankranti is also known as Khichdi. In 2027, the date of Khichdi Parv is January 15. The bathing and other rituals are observed from the morning of January 15. Puja and time to make offerings is morning during sunrise on January 15. People prepare special dish known as Khichdi and offer it to Surya – Sun God. Giving alms and making donations to poor on the day is highly meritorious. The most important ritual on this day is taking bath at Sangam in Prayag (Allahabad). The day is an important bathing day during Magh Snan. Millions of Hindus take a holy dip in the icy waters of Sangam at Prayagraj where the rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati flow together. Taking holy dip on this day is believed to help in attaining Moksha. Another highlight of the festival is the sharing of laddus made of Gur and Til (Sesame seeds)....

Makar Sankranti is associated with Surya (Sun God), so the best way to start the day is by reciting the Gayatri Mantra. Here is a look at what to do on Makar Sankranti. It is believed that Lord Surya visits his son Lord Shani on this day, irrespective of their difference in opinions. Therefore many people make it a point to visit their sons and buy them gifts. It is also a day to forgive past quarrels and start afresh. Simple food is the order of the day and many people prepare ‘khichdi’ on this day. Sweets and dishes made out of Sesame oil (Til) are served on this day. Sweets made out of Til is exchanged as mark of friendship. The symbolic meaning is to emulate the quality of Tilgul – to stick together even in adversity. Rice meal is the order of the day in Bihar , Jharkhand and is some parts of Uttar Pradesh. Throughout India Makar Sankranti is in a way associated with harvest. So people pray for a good harvest on this day. Cows - which is an integral part of agricult...

Sankranthi, or Makar Sankranti, is a harvest festival in Karnataka as is the case in other parts of India . In 2027, the date of Sankranti (Ellu Bella) in Karnataka is January 15. Bhogi (January 14, 2027) is the first day of the festival. Yellu or Ella means til (Sesame seeds) and ‘Bella’ is Jaggery. A mixture of Til (sesame seeds), Sharkara (jaggery), dry coconut and groundnuts is given to friends, neighbors and relatives on the day. There is a popular saying of Ellu Bella in Kannada – ellu bella tindu, ollolle matadi! (Eat Til seeds, Jaggery and speak good words). Importance of Makar Sankranti in Karnataka Sankranti is celebrated when sun transcends from Sagittarius to Capricorn during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. Sankranthi means ‘change of direction’ and is based on solar event and it also marks the arrival of Spring Season. In Kannada culture, Sankranthi is synonymous with ellu (sesame-jaggery mix), sugar candies and sugarcane. Uttarayana , the da...