Makar Sankranti Pooja

The rite

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s movement into Capricorn and is widely observed with Surya worship, charity, and foods made with sesame and jaggery. North Indian families in Bengaluru often want the day’s puja done at home when children are on holiday or when elders remember traditions from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Pandit Mrityunjay Sharma leads the sankranti vidhi at your house, including Surya arghya where space allows. Samagri details are sent on WhatsApp ahead of the festival morning.

Time at the house: About 1.5–2.5 hours

Pandit Mrityunjay Sharma does this at the house in Bengaluru. The fee is not printed on this page. It is sent on WhatsApp with the material list.

Why families book it

Booking a home puja helps when you are far from your native town but still want til-gul, khichdi, and Surya mantras on the correct day. It is also useful in apartments where a full community fair is not possible but the family wants one clear ritual before sharing sweets with neighbours.

The ceremony honours the rhythm of the year; it does not claim to fix health or career issues by itself. Panditji keeps the steps practical for urban homes and explains which parts can be done at sunrise on the terrace versus indoors.

When families ask

• On Makar Sankranti morning when Surya arghya is traditionally offered
• When the family wants children introduced to sesame-jaggery customs and mantra
• If elders are unwell and cannot travel to a public bathing ghat
• When combining a short Griha shanti prayer with the sankranti thali
• Before hosting relatives for a sankranti lunch at home

Short vidhi

1. Sankalpa naming the family and the sankranti tithi
2. Ganesh invocation and brief punyahavachana for the festival day
3. Preparation of the Surya offering pot with water, red flowers, and rice
4. Surya arghya with prescribed mantras, facing east if the layout allows
5. Worship of Vishnu and Lakshmi as part of many North Indian sankranti traditions
6. Offering of til (sesame), gud (jaggery), and seasonal fruit on a clean plate
7. Lighting a ghee lamp for the Sun deity and household peace
8. Optional narration of the significance of khichdi and seasonal charity
9. Naivedya including khichdi or family dishes prepared for the day
10. Aarti and distribution of til-gul with blessings for harmony in speech
11. Guidance on daan items elders may give the same day
12. Prasad and tidy closure of the temporary altar

The pandit confirms the order on WhatsApp before the visit.

Samagri

• Sesame seeds (til) white and black as per custom
• Jaggery blocks or powder
• Red flowers and durva grass if available
• Copper or steel pot for arghya water
• Rice, turmeric, and kumkum
• Ghee, wicks, and camphor
• Incense and a clean cloth for the altar
• Khichdi ingredients or prepared khichdi for naivedya
• Fruits, coconut, and betel leaves
• New utensils or small gifts for charity if planned
• Kite or decorative items are optional and not part of core puja
• Milk and honey if panchamrita is used
• Bell and plate for aarti
• Clean towels and mats for seated worship

The exact list for your day is sent on WhatsApp. This page does not sell a kit and does not say materials are included in a fee.

Questions

Can Surya arghya be done from a Bangalore apartment balcony?

Yes, if east is visible and safety rules allow. Otherwise arghya is offered at a window facing east with the same mantras.

Is bathing in a holy river required?

A home bath and the puja replace travel for most city families. Panditji explains the symbolic parts.

Should we fly kites before or after puja?

Families usually finish worship first, then enjoy cultural activities. Order can be adjusted for young children.

Do you use North Indian or South Indian sankranti customs?

The vidhi follows North Indian practice as led by Pandit Mrityunjay Sharma, with space for your family’s regional dishes.

Can neighbours join the puja?

Yes, if you inform head count when booking so seating and prasad quantities are discussed on WhatsApp.

What if sankranti falls on a weekday?

Many families perform an early morning puja before work. Panditji can suggest a practical start time.

Is havan included?

Standard booking is puja-focused. A small havan can be added if you request it and have terrace clearance.