makar sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a holy seasonal festival of India. It falls on January 14, Astrologically it is a day on which sun shifts to the tropic of Capricorn from the tropic Cancer. Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti is transition or change.

The Puranas say that on this day Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is a Swami of Makar Rashi. The day and night of Makara Sankranti are of exactly equal hours. It is one of the most auspicious days for body and soul. The famous Gayatri Mantra is directed to Sun God to bless them with wisdom. The not only represents God but also stands for an embodiment of knowledge and wisdom.

Ritual baths are held at holy rivers. Lakhs of people take dip in places like Ganga Sagar and prayag and pray to Lord Sun. Floating of lamps in holy rivers in the evening is held in many parts of India. It is the end of evil and the beginning of righteous living.

In Uttar Pradesh, taking a dip in the holy rivers is most lucky. In Bengal a very big Mela is held at Ganga Sagar. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as ‘Pongal.’ In Maharashtra people try to forget past ill-feelings and resolve to remain friends. In Gujarat they give gifts to relatives.

The most important religious ritual is at Sabarimala, a forest shrine in Kerala. The devotees of Ayyappa end the 40 days anushtana on this day. By the evening of Makar Sankranti Capricorn appears in the east of the shrine and lakhs of devotees feel great contentment at a glance at the holy star.

Many tribals in our country start their New Year by lighting bonfires, dancing and eating their favourite dishes.