Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara Rashi, as it starts on its celestial path, northward. According to Hindu Shastras, it is a highly auspicious day. It is the start of spring in India. The day is also of special significance, because on this day, there are equal hours of day and night.
Makar Sankranti is also known as the Harvest Festival. Among farmers, it is the day when the first harvest is offered to God. The festival of Makar Sankranti signifies the beginning of the Sun's northward journey (Uttarayan) when it enters the sign of Makar (the Capricorn). Makar Sankranti is a solar event and falls on the same date every year, 14th January, in the Gregorian calendar.
Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun-God begins His entry into the Northern Hemisphere. The Sun represents Pratyaksha-Brahman- the manifestation of God, giving divine blessings to everyone. The Sun has the power to transcend time. The Gayatri Mantra, which many Hindus chant every day, is offered to the Sun God to bless them with intelligence and wisdom. Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti is transition. There is a Sankranti every month when the sun passes from one sign of the zodiac to the next.
Makar Sankranti, apart from being a harvest festival is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture; “holy phase of transition”. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December. It is believed that any auspicious and sacred ritual performed during this period will bear positive results.
This day also symbolizes the importance of the special relationship a father and son share. In the Puranas, it is said, that on this day, the Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the swami of Makar Rashi. This father and son ordinarily do not get along too well, but despite all the differences, Lord Sun makes sure that they do meet each other on this particular day. It was on this day that Lord Vishnu ended the terrorism of the Asuras by killing them and burying their heads under the Mandar Parvat (mountain). Makar Sankranti also represents the end of negativities and the beginning of a moral era.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In Uttar Pradesh, Sankranti is called ‘Khichiri’. Taking a dip in the holy rivers on this day is regarded as most auspicious. A big one-month long ‘Magha-Mela’ fair begins at Prayag (Allahabad) on this occasion. In Gujarat there is a custom of giving gifts to relatives. On this auspicious day, Gujarati Pundits grant scholarships for higher studies in astrology and philosophy.
In north India, MakarSankranti is also known as the “Kite flying Festival”. The kites symbolize prayers that reach God as they fly high!
In Punjab, where December and January are the coldest months of the year, huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Sankranti and the Festival of Lohri is celebrated. Sweets, sugarcane and rice are thrown in the bonfires and family and friends gather around. The following day, Sankranti, is celebrated as MAGHI. The Punjabis dance till they get exhausted and then they sit down and eat the superb food that is specially prepared for the occasion.
In Tamil Nadu, this festival is equivalent to the American Thanksgiving. Prayers for a bountiful harvest are offered to the Sun God. In south India, Sankranti is celebrated as “Pongal” and is a 3 day festival. Pongal is a sweet rice dish. On the first day of this festival, Pongal and prayers are offered to “Bhogi” for rain during the harvest. On the second day, Pongal is offerend to the sun and on the third day, Pongal is offered to cattle in the house.
In Maharashtrian households, mothers and grandmothers prepare Tilguls. Tilguls are laadoos made of til (sesame seeds) and gul (jaggery). People greet each other by saying “Tilgul Ghya Aani Goad-Goad Bola” (Take the sweets and talk sweet words).
As we celebrate Makar Sankranti, the mantra “Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya”, Lead us from Darkness to Light, has even greater significance! The sun is starting its northward journey, leaving behind dark days, bringing us toward bright and sunny days. A reminder from God to remove ignorance and bring wisdom into our hearts and lives!
Written by Kajal Mulani
Director HYSC 2015
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