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Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14th January. It is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar and celebrates the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere, a period which is considered to be highly auspicious.

Makar Sankranti is the period when the sun enters the makar rashi, the capricorn sign of the zodiac, it marks the beginning of the uttarayan period. This period has a lot of significance for those on the spiritual path as universal positive forces are activated, making it a very auspicious beginning - spiritual practices like jaap, taap and daan if performed during this period are said to reap great benefits.

Every festival gives us a reason to celebrate life. Festivals enliven and enrich our lives with exuberance of kirtan, katha-varta and divine blessings. Each festival however, also brings with it a reminder, an unspoken message to delve deeper within, to connect with the inherent source of all joy and bliss.

To celebrate this auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, there was a special discourse by HDH Acharya Swamishree on the 14th of January 2016 at Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan Temple on Swamibapa Road. Devotees jammed in the temple hall, decorated with colourful kites, to hear Acharya Swamishree's message and receive blessings on this auspicious day.