Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti or Makar Sankrant, is one of the highly auspicious days in a Hindu calendar and the day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (Sun God).
Information and Importance of Makar Sankranti
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is an auspicious day based on the movement of the Sun (Surya). ‘Makar’ or ‘Makara’ refers to ‘Makara rashi’ – the zodiac corresponding to Capricorn. ‘Sankranti’ in Sanskrit means ‘to cross into’ or the day when sun enters from one zodiac sign to another. So Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun enters into the zodiac Capricorn. It is also known as Uttarayana Punyakalam or the entry of sun into the Northern Hemisphere. The six-month long Uttarayana begins on this day.
Makar Sankranti is usually observed on January 14 or January 15.
Usually the day of Hindu celebrations vary from year to year in English Calendar. Hindu calendar is based on the movement of the moon and therefore it is a lunar calendar. Hence the change in the date of various celebrations with corresponding English Calendar. But Makar Sankranti is based on solar movement and therefore it has almost a fixed date.
But depending on the movement of the sun from south to north Makar Sankranti date progresses
Hindu God Worshipped on Makar Sankranti
Lord Surya is worshipped on the Makar Sankranti day and is a form of Nature Worship. Every living and non-living being merges with the Brahman and Sun is the Pratyaksha-Brahman or the Brahman that can be seen.
How is Makar Sankranti Observed by Hindus?
A major spiritual event on the day is the bathing ritual at Sangam (confluence of Yamuna, Saraswati and Ganga) in Allahabad and also in the famous bathing ghats on River Ganga. Taking a holy dip on the day is considered to cleanse sins committed and this will lead to Moksha (Salvation).
Uttarayana Punyakalam, the day time of Devas, begins with the Makar Sankranti and lasts for six months. This period is ideal for all kind of auspicious activities.
Makar Sankranti also heralds the arrival of spring.
Special food made from freshly harvested grains is consumed and shared on the day.
Makar Sankranti in Hindu Scriptures - Stories
One of the most important myths is the death of Bhishma Pitamaha in the Mahabharata. Bhishma chose the Uttarayan period. (Bhisma had got a boon from his father that he will only die when he wishes.) It is believed that people who die during Uttarayana merges with the Brahman, thus ending the cycle of rebirth.
Legend also has it that Lord Vishnu buried Asuras on this day beneath the Mandara Mountain. It signifies the end of evil and the dawn of righteousness.
Another legend is that King Bhagiratha brought Ganga down into Patala on Makar Sankranti day. This was to get salvation to his ancestors who were cursed by Sage Kapila and turned into ashes. On this day millions of people take bath in the Ganges. Makar Sankranti is also an important bathing date during Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela.
Puranas state that on Makar Sankranti day, Surya visits Lord Shani. In mythology Lord Shani, is the son of Surya.
Makar Sankranti in Various Parts of India
Makar Sankranti is observed throughout India by all communities but with slight variations in the festivities.
In Bengal, Makar Sankranti is noted for the Ganga Sagar Mela, Tusu Puja and Pithe parbon.
Bhogali Bihu and Tusu Puja are celebrated on the occasion in Assam.
Makar Mela is observed in Orissa.
Ghughuti or Kale Kauwa in Uttarakhand.
Shishur Sankranti in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tila Sankranti in Mithila region.
Maghi in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
In North India, it is the time of Lohri and Khichdi Parv.
In Central India, it is Sankranti.
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is observed as Pongal. (four day festival)
In Andhra Pradesh, it is known as Sankranthi. (four day festival)
In Karnataka - Sankranti or Ellu Bella
In Maharashtra it is known as Makar Sankranti and Tilgul - famous for Bhogichi Bhaji
In Kerala, the famous Sabarimala Pilgrimage comes to an end with sighting of the Makaravilakku.
In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is known as Uttarayan and is noted for the kite flying event.
It is an important bathing date during the famous Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela at Sangam (Prayag) in Allahabad.
Did You Know?
Sun rays directly falls on the murti (idol) worshipped in certain temples on Makar Sankranti day. The most famous among them is the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple near Bangalore in Karnataka.
Dahi Chura - an food prepared from rice flakes and yoghurt - is consumed on the day in many regions.
Jaggery, rice, sugarcane, sesame seeds and milk are the common food used on Sankranti in all regions. And Sesame especially helps in maintaining body heat during winter.
Residents of 10 villages located on the outskirts of Manali in Himachal Pradesh do not make any kind of noise for 42 days starting from Makar Sankranti.
In the 17th century, Makar Sankranti was around January 9 and in the 27th century, it will be around January 23.
Sri Eswaran
