Makar Sankranti

Introduction

Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival celebrating the Sun’s transit from Sagittarius into Capricorn (Makara Rashi) and the commencement of Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward journey. It is the only major Hindu festival based on the solar calendar, which is why it falls on virtually the same date every year — January 14th or 15th. The festival is celebrated under different names across India’s diverse regions: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab (celebrated the day before), and Uttarayan in Gujarat. It is both a harvest festival and a sacred astronomical event with deep spiritual significance.

When It Is Celebrated

Makar Sankranti is observed in Pausha or Magha month of the Hindu solar calendar, when the Sun enters Makara Rashi (Capricorn). In the Gregorian calendar, this typically falls on January 14th, occasionally on January 15th. This day marks the beginning of Uttarayan, when the Sun begins its northward movement, resulting in longer days and shorter nights in the Northern Hemisphere. The Uttarayan period, lasting six months until the Sun enters Cancer, is considered the daytime of the gods and an extremely auspicious phase for spiritual practices, charitable acts, and sacred ceremonies.

Mythological Story

Several mythological and historical narratives are associated with Makar Sankranti. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah, who possessed the boon of Ichha Mrityu (death at will), lay on a bed of arrows after the great war and waited for the Sun to enter Uttarayan before relinquishing his mortal body, as departing during Uttarayan ensures freedom from the cycle of rebirth. Another tradition holds that the Sun God visits his son Shani (Saturn) on this day, entering Shani’s zodiac sign Makara, symbolizing the reconciliation between father and son despite their differences. Lord Vishnu is believed to have vanquished the demons Madhu and Kaitabha on this day, restoring peace to the earth. It is also believed that the sacred Ganga River descended through Sage Kapila’s ashram and merged with the ocean on this day.

Rituals and Celebrations

Ritual bathing in sacred rivers at dawn holds paramount importance on Makar Sankranti. Millions of devotees take holy dips in the Ganga at Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Haridwar. Arghya (offering) is given to the Sun God by facing the sun and pouring water mixed with red flowers, akshat (unbroken rice), and sesame seeds. The Aditya Hridaya Stotram and Surya mantras are chanted. Charity is central to this festival, with donations of sesame seeds, jaggery, khichdi (rice-lentil dish), blankets, and food considered especially meritorious. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, spectacular kite-flying festivals fill the skies with colorful kites. In Maharashtra, people exchange tilgul (sesame-jaggery sweets) with the greeting “Tilgul ghya, god-god bola” (accept this sweet and speak sweetly). In Tamil Nadu, the four-day Pongal festival involves cooking newly harvested rice in milk as a thanksgiving offering to the Sun.

Significance

Makar Sankranti holds both spiritual and scientific significance. The commencement of Uttarayan brings increased positive energy in nature, as the days grow longer and warmer. The Uttarayan period is considered the most favorable time for sadhana (spiritual practice), tapasya (austerity), and spiritual advancement. As an agricultural festival, it is a time of thanksgiving when farmers honor nature and the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. The consumption of sesame seeds and jaggery, traditional to this festival, provides warmth and nutrition during the cold winter months. The emphasis on daan (charity) and social harmony forms the moral foundation of this celebration, teaching that prosperity should be shared with the less fortunate.