TTD CLARIFIES ON MAKARA SANKRANTI FESTIVAL DATE

TIRUMALA, OCT 24: Following the qualms raised by pilgrim devotees over the festival dates of Sankranti in the year 2014 published in TTD Panchangam, the court astrologer of TTD Sri Tangirala Prabhakara Purnaiah Siddhanthi and Agama advisor of TTD Sri Vedantam Desikacharyulu has clarified that the dates published by TTD are correct and there is no need for any sort of misconception about Makarasankranti dates.

As per their clarification, Makar Sankranti has an astrological significance, as the sun enters the Capricorn (Sanskrit: Makar) zodiac constellation on that day. But as per the Hindu Dharma Shastras, If the sun enters constellation after the sun set, the next day will be observed as Makara Sankranti. Based on this principle, in 2014, the sun enters the Capricorn after sun set by 6.20pm. So January 15 is considered to be Sankranti.

In the year 2014, Bhogi will be observed on January 14, Sankranti on January 15 and Kanuma on January 16 instead of January 13, 14 and 15 respectively as decided by TTD astrologer and Agama advisor.

ISSUED BY TTDs PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, TIRUPATI