A fisherman was rescued off New Zealand's coast on Wednesday after he spent nearly a day in the cold and turbulent sea. The unnamed angler embarked on a fishing trip on his 12-meter boat on Tuesday and fell into the sea about 30 nautical miles off New Zealand's North Island, a statement by the Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton said.

A fisherman was rescued off New Zealand's coast on Wednesday after he spent nearly a day in the cold and turbulent sea. The unnamed angler embarked on a fishing trip on his 12-meter boat on Tuesday and fell into the sea about 30 nautical miles off New Zealand's North Island, a statement by the Whangamatā Police Sergeant Will Hamilton said. As the boat moved out of his reach, the fisherman attempted to swim to the nearby Alderman Islands. But the choppy waters dragged him away. He survived a cold night in the sea as he was too tired to keep swimming. At one point, a shark came near him but left without attacking. Hamilton said, "It is an absolute miracle the fisherman is still alive after the ordeal." After 24 hours, three fishermen, noticing a reflection in the water, set out to investigate where it was coming from. As they got closer, they found the stranded man desperately trying to catch their attention using the Sun's reflection from his watch. "Without the quick actions of the three gentlemen that retrieved him, this certainly would have had a tragic outcome," Hamilton said. ALSO READ | 'Terror beasts': Scientists unearth 500-million-year old 'giant' predator worms in Greenland They took the fisherman to Whangamatā, where he received treatment for hypothermia and exhaustion. "The boaties did a stellar job and without a doubt saved this man's life," Hamilton said. One of the rescuers, James Mcdonnell, told Newshub, "a series of fortunate events" led to the fisherman's rescue. When they saw the watch's reflection, they weren't expecting to find a person. "I mean, we were ten miles (16 kilometres) off the back of Mayor Island and not a boat in sight, but sure enough, as we got closer, it was quite obvious that someone was waving their arms," he said. Max White was another rescuer who said their priority was to board the man on the boat and keep him awake and warm. "We had a big cooler bag and wrapped him up in as many layers as possible," he said. "He's desperate for water. So I had a bit of warm water on the boat and some cranberry juice. Give him what we can and try, and get him talking and make sure he stayed awake as best possible." The police said the fisherman wanted to express his gratitude to the rescuers and the emergency services for saving his life. Authorities are searching for the fisherman's boat, but he held onto the one thing that gave him hope during his ordeal. "The boat may be missing, but the fisherman still has his watch," Hamilton said. (With inputs from agencies)

Fisherman's watch leads to 'miracle' rescue after 24 hours in sea

Researchers have finally figured out the reason behind urine's yellow colour, answering an age-old question that has stumped scientists for years. In the study published in the journal Nature Microbiology, Brantley Hall, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland's Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and his team explain the chain of events that cause urine to be yellow and why it took so long to figure out.

Researchers have finally figured out the reason behind urine's yellow colour, answering an age-old question that has stumped scientists for years. In the study published in the journal Nature Microbiology, Brantley Hall, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland's Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, and his team explain the chain of events that cause urine to be yellow and why it took so long to figure out. Urine, the last product of our body's natural drainage system, consists of excess water and waste filtered out of blood via the kidneys. These waste products include dead cells that have reached the end of their life cycle, like the RBCs (red blood cells) that carry oxygen throughout the body using haemoglobin. Red blood cells produce a compound called heme. Eventually, the red blood cells degrade, and their heme results in a chain of events that makes the urine yellow. Scientists have known for some time that urobilin is the chemical primarily responsible for the yellow colour of urine. However, they were unsure about the steps in the process leading to the presence of urobilin in urine. In the study, Hall explained the role of gut bacteria in breaking down the byproducts of heme, which causes the urine to be yellow. "When red blood cells degrade after their six-month lifespan, a bright orange pigment called bilirubin is produced as a byproduct. Once in the gut, the resident flora can convert bilirubin into a molecule which can turn yellow if exposed to oxygen. This molecule, urobilin, is a major reason behind urine's yellow colour," Hall told Gizmodo. The study talks about the enzyme responsible for this reaction. Hall's team has coined the newly discovered enzyme bilirubin reductase or BilR. This enzyme breaks down into urobilinogen with the help of Firmicutes and other gut bacteria in the large intestine. Urobilinogen then turns into urobilin in the presence of air. The study also showed that the gut microbiomes of healthy adults readily contain BilR, highlighting its crucial role. Hall noted that studying gut microbiomes is a difficult task. That's why it took so long to find how urine turns yellow. "Unfortunately, gut microbes can be challenging to study. The gut is a low-oxygen environment, and many of the bacteria in our guts can't survive if too much oxygen is present, making them difficult to grow and perform experiments on in labs," Hall said. (With inputs from agencies)

What makes urine yellow? Researchers have finally figured it out

Celebrated on January 3 globally, the International Mind-Body Wellness Day is an attempt to promote self-care, mindfulness, and healthy practices to make people aware of the mind-body connection.

Celebrated on January 3 globally, the International Mind-Body Wellness Day is an attempt to promote self-care, mindfulness, and healthy practices to make people aware of the mind-body connection. The day celebrates the harmonious coexistence of physical and mental health. The connection between our mind, body and spirit is crucial to our wellness. In today's fast-paced world, people must pause and reflect, think, and participate in behaviours that promote holistic wellness. The International Mind-Body Wellness Day encourages people to focus more on living healthy lives to maintain a balance. It invites people worldwide to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-care. When is International Mind-Body Wellness Day in 2024? In 2024, International Mind-Body Wellness Day will be on January 3. ALSO READ | Explained | How does Japan maintain its stoic resilience amid major earthquakes? Why is International Mind-Body Wellness Day celebrated? In the modern world, mind-body wellness methods are new. However, the practice of maintaining a healthy balance between mind and body goes back decades. Hippocrates, considered the pioneer of this concept, emphasised the significance of mind-body wellness in his studies and lectures, which aided the ongoing research on natural medicine. However, in the last few years, people have started taking mind-body wellness more seriously, as they wish to improve their health by establishing a healthy connection between the body and mind. ALSO READ | New York City: Explosion shakes Roosevelt Island, firefighters respond swiftly What is the significance of International Mind-Body Wellness Day? International Mind-Body Wellness Day aims to improve people's well-being by emphasising the connection between mental and physical health. It motivates people to focus on healthy practices that help them balance the mind and the body and promote self-care and mindfulness. International Mind-Body Wellness Day reminds people about the significance of balancing our physical and mental selves. By adopting intentional well-being practices, people can live longer and happier lives. What is the theme of International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024? "Holistic Wellness: Mind, Body, and Soul" is the theme for International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024. The theme for 2024 focuses on enhancing overall health and vitality by emphasising the importance of achieving a harmonious balance between the mind, body, and soul. It serves as a reminder of the holistic nature of well-being and the necessity of addressing the body, mind, and soul as an integrated whole. (With inputs from agencies)

International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024: Check date, significance, history, and theme of the year

A 17-year-old exchange student from China, Kai Zhuang, was recently cyber kidnapped in the United States, according to the police. Cyber kidnapping is a new criminal trend in which scammers extort vulnerable victims remotely and demand ransom money from their families.

A 17-year-old exchange student from China, Kai Zhuang, was recently cyber kidnapped in the United States, according to the police. Cyber kidnapping is a new criminal trend in which scammers extort vulnerable victims remotely and demand ransom money from their families. Zhuang's family in China reached out to his school in Utah to report that they received images of him that suggested someone had forcibly kidnapped him. However, Zhuang's host family in the US told the police that they had seen him earlier and were clueless about any forcible kidnapping. After receiving continuous threats about Zhuang's safety from the scammer, his family paid around $80,000 in ransom money to a Chinese bank account. Meanwhile, the scammers threatened Zhuang for about a month, asking him to comply with their demands or they would harm his family in China. They ordered him to isolate himself in the wilderness and send photos to his parents that looked like he was kidnapped. However, the Riverdale police rescued him from the woods. ALSO READ | After Elon Musk's takeover, X has lost 71 per cent of its value: Report Cyber kidnapping has become a growing concern in the US, as several other regions have reported such incidents. What is cyber kidnapping? Like other online frauds, cyber kidnapping has become a growing digital crime. In cyber kidnapping, online attackers target victims and force them into isolating themselves to demand ransom from their families. They monitor the victims through video chat and use pictures captured by them in isolated conditions to extort money from their families. Some scammers have also started using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to mimic the victim's voice. Foreign exchange students, especially those from China, are more at risk than others. How can you protect yourself from cyber kidnapping? In case any cyber kidnapper tries to contact you, immediately inform the police and end communication from your end. Also, never send money to the perpetrators. Like scams and phishing, one can prevent cyber crimes by being aware. The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has advised people to protect themselves from cyber kidnapping in the following ways: Use additional security apps and multi-factor authentication to protect your sensitive information. Update your software regularly and add malware protection to your devices. Do not click on any suspicious pop-up ads or links sent in emails from untrusted sources. Use strong passwords to protect your accounts from hackers, and do not share confidential information with anyone. Use a password manager to keep things organised. (With inputs from agencies)

What is cyber kidnapping? How to protect yourself from the ‘disturbing criminal trend’?

Lachlan Galbraith, the keyboardist of the rock band Ocean Alley, has publicly apologised for shoplifting after a shop in New Zealand shared CCTV footage of him doing so.

Lachlan Galbraith, the keyboardist of the rock band Ocean Alley, has publicly apologised for shoplifting after a shop in New Zealand shared CCTV footage of him doing so. The shop, Hunting and Fishing Queenstown, posted the video on Facebook and Instagram showing Galbraith shoplifting an A$17.95 ($12.10) drink bottle lid in his bag on New Year's Eve. The shop wrote in its post, "Good to see the fellas in town for their performance at [the Rhythm and Alps music festival] tonight," referring to their upcoming gig in Queenstown. "Unfortunately, it looks like there was just a little too much 'Confidence' in-store today," the shop added, mentioning one of the rock band's songs. Ocean Alley, an Australian rock band, is currently touring New Zealand. They were set to perform in Wellington on Wednesday (Jan 3) and in Whangamatā on Friday (Jan 5). Later this year, they will tour Australia before heading to North America and the United Kingdom. "We realise hydration is important, so no worries but please feel free to return the Yeti Chug Cap before you leave town tomorrow. All the best for 2024 and the tour ahead," the post from the shop read. ALSO READ | Australia's Supreme Court allows 62-year-old woman to remove sperm from her dead husband Later, Lachlan Galbraith apologised for his actions, calling them "foolish." He said in a video posted on the band's Instagram account, "Yesterday in an act of complete foolishness, I stole a drink bottle lid from the Queenstown Hunting and Fishing store. It is a moment I am not proud of at all and one that I have deep regret and remorse for. I have reached out to the team directly and we have rectified the situation." "I am so sorry for disappointing all of our fans, the team at the store and of course, the band. My actions do not reflect on how we carry ourselves as a band," he added. After Galbraith's apology, Hunting and Fishing pulled the footage from their social media and thanked him. However, people criticised them for taking down the video from the social media platforms. "We are in no way offering special treatment based on who the person is," they responded to the critics. "They have apologised, owned up and made the appropriate reparations. We in turn deleted the post as we would anyone who made the appropriate effort to rectify the situation. The embarrassment and aftermath of this particular event should be punishment enough." the shop said in another post. (With inputs from agencies)

Rock band musician publicly apologises for shoplifting in New Zealand after CCTV footage made public

As North India grapples with the cold wave, Delhi residents experienced another foggy morning on January 3. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the fog has taken over vast areas of North India, and there are no signs of the cold wave letting up.

As North India grapples with the cold wave, Delhi residents experienced another foggy morning on January 3. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the fog has taken over vast areas of North India, and there are no signs of the cold wave letting up. According to the IMD forecast bulletin, some parts of Punjab and Haryana will continue to face dense to very dense fog conditions on nights and mornings from January 3 to January 5. Some parts of Rajasthan will have a similar foggy situation for two days. Moreover, isolated pockets of Madhya Pradesh will have dense to very dense fog conditions on January 3. Meanwhile, dense fog conditions might prevail in some regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand for the coming week. Other North, Northwestern and Northeastern states will witness dense fog conditions for the next few days. ALSO READ | 12 dead, 30 injured in head-on collision between bus and truck in Assam; PM Modi announces relief for victims The IMD forecast also stated that the cold wave will continue to grip some parts of Punjab and Haryana. Cold wave conditions might improve for Rajasthan after January 4 and Uttar Pradesh after January 3. IMD observed 'very dense fog' in isolated pockets of East Uttar Pradesh, West Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. As a severe cold wave grips North India, train and vehicular traffic have been affected. In Delhi, Indian Railways delayed at least 26 trains due to the fog. The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 8.3 degrees Celsius on January 2, and the maximum temperature recorded was 17.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi also witnessed chilly winds on the morning of January 3. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index was recorded at 346 in Delhi at 6.30 am IST, indicating the 'very bad' category. Furthermore, Dal Lake in Kashmir's Srinagar has frozen. On Tuesday, Pahalgam in Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius. Amid the cold wave in North India, IMD has also predicted rainfall in certain states. South Tamil Nadu, south Kerala, and Lakshadweep might witness light to moderate showers at some places during the next two to three days "under the influence of easterly wave and the above Low-Pressure Area." Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh might have light isolated rainfall between January 3 to January 8. Moreover, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha might witness light isolated rainfall between January 3 and January 5. (With inputs from agencies)

India Weather Update: Dense fog continues to blanket Delhi; North India grapples with cold wave

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has been a topic of fascination among astronomers for decades. A whopping 95 Jupiter moons have been officially discovered and recognised to date.

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has been a topic of fascination among astronomers for decades. A whopping 95 Jupiter moons have been officially discovered and recognised to date. These moons have generated an equal amount of interest, especially lo, the one that sees intense volcanic activity. Juno, the NASA spacecraft orbiting Jupiter, has captured some extremely close images of Jupiter's tortured moon, Io, the most volcanic world in our solar system. These images are unlike anything you have ever seen and might even give you the shivers. Juno, on December 30, was just some 930 miles (1.500 kilometres) away from Jupiter's volcanic moon. Juno has moved progressively closer to Io over the last year. In space terms, this distance is quite close, only three times farther than the Hubble telescope orbits Earth. On Dec. 30, our #JunoMission made its closest-ever approach to Jupiter’s moon Io, soaring about 930 miles (1,500 km) above the solar system’s most volcanic world. Juno captured Io’s molten surface and will return for another look in February: https://t.co/UnZpyaFMsC pic.twitter.com/NO4iGndmZ0 — NASA (@NASA) January 2, 2024 × Juno survived the extreme radiation around the gas giant to make the near pass and captured impressive images of volcanoes on Jupiter's volcano-blanketed moon. Such high levels of radiation could damage the spacecraft's instruments. For example, a radiation surge during an Io flyby caused the loss of some pictures in 2022. In 2016, NASA's Alas arrived around Jupiter and endured after following a 1,740-million-mile journey. Professional and amateur image processors working for NASA or related space research programmes have processed the images sent by NASA's Juno, removing the noise and distortion. Over the two decades, these images are the closest views of Io captured. About NASA's Juno Juno has performed 56 flybys of Jupiter, documenting close encounters with three of its four largest moons. Juno's principal investigator, Scott Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, said, "By combining data from this flyby with our previous observations, the Juno science team is studying how Io's volcanoes vary." ALSO READ | Perihelion Day 2024: When Earth is closest to the Sun | All you need to know about astronomical event Using Juno, researchers will study Io's volcanoes, including their eruption frequencies, brightness, temperatures, and changes in the shape of the lava flow. They will also use the spacecraft to study how Io's activity connects to the flow of charged particles in Jupiter's magnetosphere. Juno will make another close flyby on February 3. Juno is a part of NASA's New Frontiers Program, managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. Researchers at NASA will also use Juno to find the source of Io's massive volcanic activity. They will also study the significance of tidal forces from Jupiter, which relentlessly squeeze the tortured moon. NASA's spacecraft has been watching Io's volcanic activities from distances ranging from about 6,830 miles (11,000 kilometres) to over 62,100 miles (100,000 kilometres). Juo gave the first glimpse of the moon's north and south poles. It has also made close flybys of Jupiter's icy moons, Ganymede and Europa. (With inputs from agencies)

These closest-ever photos of Jupiter's moon blasting lava will give you cold shivers

The new year will certainly amp up the fusion food game and introduce us to experimental dishes like burger quesadillas and pizza pot pies.


Just like solo travelling, solo dining is all about enjoying your own company. The restaurant business is also adapting to it by adjusting the menu with smaller portions. 


Veganism was the hype of the previous year. With this many vegan influencers have become the flag-bearers of introducing delectable plant-based dishes. 


Just like K-pop and K-drama, the global Korean food scene is also booming. With Kimchi, ramyun and gochujang becoming staple dishes, the popularity of Korean food will surely increase in 2024. 


Tropical-flavoured beverages are likely to become a huge food trend in 2024, as there’s been a shift away from drinks heavy in alcohol.

Buckwheat might take centre stage as it has a subtle, nutty taste. Buckwheat is not a cereal grain, and it is an ideal option for anyone with gluten sensitivity or intolerance. 


Restaurants have started including millets on their menus. There will soon be a blending of millets with local recipes as well. 


From unusual ingredients to creative cooking techniques, here are seven food trends one must try in 2024.

7 Food Trends To Try In 2024

World Introvert Day: 7 Things You Should Never Say To An Introvert

This question often puts introverts in the spot, making them feel uncomfortable. Instead, allow them to contribute at their own pace.


Pressuring introverts to change clashes with their nature. Accepting their reserved nature is crucial for a peaceful and comfortable interaction.

Meaningful contributions come after thoughtful reflection for introverts. Encouragement rather than insistence is more beneficial.


Introverts process emotions deeply, and this remark can invalidate their feelings. Understanding their sensitivity fosters a healthier relationship.


One must respect an introvert's need for alone time. They recharge in solitude and prefer quality over quantity in social interactions.


Anyone can misunderstand an introvert's calm demeanour as anger. Instead, talk politely about what they feel without assumptions.


Analysing situations is a strength for introverts. Instead of dismissing their thoughts, offer support or a different perspective.


January 2 is celebrated as World Introvert Day every year. Here are seven things to avoid saying when talking to introverts.

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Live Streaming: Australia and Pakistan will clash in the third and final Test of the three-match Test series, commencing Wednesday (Jan 3), at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Live Streaming: Australia and Pakistan will clash in the third and final Test of the three-match Test series, commencing Wednesday (Jan 3), at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia secured their victory in the series by winning the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground with a 79-run margin. Their win marked Australia's 18th consecutive victory against Pakistan in Test matches played at home. Pat Cummins picked up a five-wicket haul in the second innings to blow the visitors away after Pakistan seemed to be in command. He also took five wickets in the first game. David Warner will play his farewell Test in front of his home crowd. As the second-highest run-scorer of the series, he notched a spectacular hundred at the Perth Stadium. During a New Year's Day news conference, Warner announced his retirement from Test cricket and One-Day Internationals. However, he stated he would consider returning to play in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy if requested. Shan Masood is in good form, but Babar Azam has not been playing his best. Aamer Jamal has been impressive on his debut Test series, picking up 12 wickets. Here's everything you need to know about the live-streaming details of the Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test. When is the Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test match? Australia will take on Pakistan in the 3rd Test starting Wednesday (Jan 3). Where will Australia play Pakistan in the 3rd Test? Australia will square off against Pakistan in the 3rd Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). When will the Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test start? The Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test will start at 05:00 am IST on Wednesday (Jan 3). Where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test match on TV? The 3rd Test between Australia and Pakistan will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network. Where to watch the live streaming of Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test? The 3rd Test between Australia and Pakistan will be streamed live on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Probable Playing XI Australia Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner Pakistan Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Ali Hamza, Amer Jamal (With inputs from agencies)

AUS vs PAK 3rd Test Live Streaming: How to watch Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test LIVE in India and your country

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Streaming: After emerging victorious in the first Test, South Africa will clash again with India in the 2nd Test. India will look forward to taking something away from the two-match series after the Proteas defeated them by 32 runs.

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Streaming: After emerging victorious in the first Test, South Africa will clash again with India in the 2nd Test. India will look forward to taking something away from the two-match series after the Proteas defeated them by 32 runs. All eyes will be on Indian batters who failed to navigate the South African pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Marco Jansen. The Men in Blue will seek to remain consequential in the World Championship points table, as they stand sixth in the nine-team table with 14 points. Another defeat can dent their standings further. India and South Africa have clashed in 43 Test matches before, of which India has won 15, and South Africa has won 18. There were 10 Test matches which ended in a draw. However, India has never won a Test series on South African soil. ALSO READ | SA vs Ind, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma aims to equal MS Dhoni's rare captaincy feat in series decider Here's everything you need to know about the live-streaming details of the India vs South Africa 2nd Test. IND vs SA Date: When is the 2nd Test match between India and South Africa? The India vs South Africa 2nd Test match will start on Wednesday (Jan 3) and end on Sunday (Jan 7). IND vs SA Time: When will the 2nd Test match between India and South Africa start? The 2nd Test between India and South Africa will commence at 01:30 pm IST on Wednesday (Jan 3). IND vs SA Venue: Where is the 2nd Test match between India and South Africa? Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa, will host the 2nd Test between India and South Africa. Where can I watch the IND vs SA 2nd Test Live on TV? Star Sports Network will televise the India vs South Africa 2nd Test. How can I watch the India vs South Africa 2nd Test LIVE in India? Disney+Hotstar app and website will broadcast the India vs South Africa 2nd Test live in India. India vs South Africa 2nd Test Predicted Playing XI India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar. South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Keegan Petersen, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger. (With inputs from agencies)

IND vs SA 2nd Test Live Streaming: How to watch India vs South Africa 2nd Test LIVE in India, your country

Makar Sankranti 2024: Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival known by various names across India, like Uttarayan in Gujarat, Khichdi in East Uttar Pradesh, Magh Bihu in Assam and Pongal in South India.

Makar Sankranti 2024: Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival known by various names across India, like Uttarayan in Gujarat, Khichdi in East Uttar Pradesh, Magh Bihu in Assam and Pongal in South India. According to Vedic astrology, Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn. In India, people celebrate the celestial event with great enthusiasm. When is Makar Sankranti in 2024? (Date) This year, people will celebrate Makar Sankranti on 15 January 2024, and the auspicious time will start at 02:54 am IST. What is the significance of Makar Sankranti? In India, Makar Sankranti signifies the end of the winter season, marking the arrival of longer days and the start of a new agricultural cycle. Why do we fly kites on Makar Sankranti? According to ancient beliefs, flying kites on Makar Sankranti exposes people to the Sun rays, which helps prevent or reduce skin infections and illnesses associated with the winter season. Exposure to sun rays has several health benefits as it is a source of Vitamin D. According to some beliefs, people fly kites on Makar Sankranti to express their gratitude to the Gods. People across India, especially in Gujarat, enjoy and celebrate the festival by flying kites. Why do we eat sesame seeds on Makar Sankranti? The Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti is incomplete without its round til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) delicacies or til gur laddus. Sesame seeds hold special significance during Makar Sankranti. It is either eaten or given away as 'daan' (charity). According to Hindu mythology, sesame seeds came from the sweat of Lord Vishnu. Another legend says that the Hindu god of death, Yama, has blessed sesame seeds. It also has Ayurvedic properties. They help in controlling blood pressure, reducing stress and improving bone density. Moreover, they help in maintaining reproductive health. How do people in India celebrate Makar Sankranti? Festival traditions of Makar Sankranti differ from state to state. People bathe in holy rivers like Ganges, Yamuna, and Godavari, and pray to the Sun God, by chanting Gayatri Mantra or Surya Mantra. Different Names Of Makar Sankranti Makar Sankranti's name varies across various states in India. Here's the list: Uttar Pradesh: Khichdi Gujarat: Uttarayan Odisha: Makara Chaula Bihar: Til Sakraat or Dahi Chura Kerala: Makaravilakku Karnataka: Suggi West Bengal: Poush Sankranti Maharashtra: Haldi Kumkum Goa: Maghi Sankrant Himachal Pradesh: Magha Saaji Assam: Magh Bihu Tamil Nadu: Pongal (With inputs from agencies)

Makar Sankranti 2024: Check date, time, significance of kite flying and different names of the festival

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