Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is dedicated to the sun god Surya. It marks the first day of the sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn) and its journey to the northern hemisphere (uttarayaana) - marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and welcome longer days. According to science, it is one of the oldest solstice festivals, the day and night are equally long

The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names, such as ‘tila sakraat’ in Mithila  , ‘poush Sankranti’ in west Bengal & Bangladesh , ‘Sakraat’ in Bihar & UP, Maghi – Preceeded by ‘lohri’ in Haryana , Himachal Pradesh & Punjab, ‘Shishur Saenkraat’ in Kashmir valley , ‘Thai Pongal’ – in tamil Naidu, Srilanka , Singapore , Malasia. In Maharashtra Goa & Nepal its kown as ‘makar Sankranti’.

The Puranas say that on this day Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the swami of Makar Rashi. These father & son do not ordinarily get along nicely, but inspite of any difference between each other God Sun makes it a point to meet each other on this day. Father in fact himself comes to his son’s house, for a month. This day symbolized the importance of special relationship of father & son !

From Uttarayana starts the ‘day’ of Devatas, while dakshinayana is said to be the ‘night’ of devatas, so most of the auspicious things are done during this time. Uttarayana is also called as Devayana, and the next half is called Pitrayana.

It was on this day when God Vishnu ended the ever-increasing terrorism of the Asuras by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandar Parvat. So, this occasion also represents the end of negativities and beginning of an era of righteous living.

The great savior of his ancestors, Maharaj Bhagirath, did great Tapasya to bring Gangaji down on the earth to do tarpan with the Ganges water for his unfortunate ancestors and liberate them from the curse.

Another well-known reference of this day came when the great grandsire of Mahabharata fame, Bhishma, declared his intent to leave his mortal coil on this day. He had the boon of Ichha-Mrityu from his father, so he kept lying on the bed of arrows till this day and then left his mortal coil on Makar Sankranti day. It is believed that the person, who dies during the period of Uttarayana, becomes free from transmigration. So, this day was seen as a sure-shot Good Luck day to start your journey or endeavours to the higher realms beyond.

Apart scientific, vedic and cultural significance, each festival celebrated in India, across different religions, do have a spiritual symbolic aspect.

Kite flying is one of the major activities of this festival where people get together as a community and celebrate it as a sport. People take dip in the holy waters to offer prayer and gratitude to the Sun God.

Makar sankranti is also a major harvest festival of India. People eat TIL LADDO” sesame balls and sing “ til gul kha gud gud bolai” which means eat til and sweet jaggery and speak sweet word & spread joy!

It is also known as India’s thanks giving – a day of forgiveness. Let’s forget past quarrels & spread love,Peace , harmony & brotherhood.

Wish you all A very prosperous & meaningful "Makar Sankranti"