Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated every year on the 14th of January in the Gregorian calendar. Also known as Uttarayan, it marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that is celebrated every year on the 14th of January in the Gregorian calendar. It marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), and it is considered an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar.

The story behind Makar Sankranti is rooted in Hindu mythology and ancient traditions. Several legends and stories are associated with this festival, each highlighting its significance in different ways. Here are some prominent stories:

1. The Story of Surya and Shani

In Hindu mythology, Surya (the Sun God) and his son Shani (Saturn) had a difficult relationship. Shani was born to Surya and his wife Chhaya, and it is said that Shani’s gaze had a powerful effect on others, even causing harm at times. Due to misunderstandings, Surya and Shani had a strained relationship.

However, on the day of Makar Sankranti, Surya decided to visit Shani to mend their relationship. This visit is symbolic of Surya entering the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), which is ruled by Shani. This story highlights the importance of resolving conflicts, forgiveness, and the renewal of relationships.

2. The Legend of King Bhagiratha

King Bhagiratha, a descendant of King Sagara, was determined to bring the River Ganga to Earth to purify the souls of his ancestors, who were cursed by Sage Kapila. To achieve this, Bhagiratha performed intense penance to please Lord Brahma, who granted his wish. However, the powerful flow of Ganga needed to be controlled to prevent destruction.

Bhagiratha then prayed to Lord Shiv, who agreed to bear the force of Ganga on his matted hair, allowing the river to descend gently. The day Ganga descended to Earth is believed to be Makar Sankranti. People take holy dips in the river on this day, seeking purification and spiritual cleansing.

3. The Death of Bhishma Pitamah

In the Mahabharat, Bhishma Pitamah was a revered elder who had the boon of choosing his time of death (known as Ichcha Mrityu). He was wounded in the Kurukshetra War and lay on a bed of arrows, waiting for the auspicious time of Uttarayan, the period when the Sun moves northward.

Bhishma believed that dying during Uttarayan would lead to moksh (liberation). He chose to give up his life on Makar Sankranti, marking it as a sacred day for attaining spiritual salvation. This story emphasizes the significance of timing in spiritual practices and the belief in the sanctity of Makar Sankranti.

4. The Story of Lord Vishnu

Another story linked to Makar Sankranti involves Lord Vishnu defeating the demons (Asurs) who had been terrorizing the world. After a prolonged battle, Vishnu buried their heads under the Mandara Parvat, marking the end of their tyranny.

This event is believed to have occurred on Makar Sankranti, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. The festival thus signifies the dispelling of negativity and the start of an era of righteousness.

Cultural Significance:

• Harvest Festival: It is primarily a harvest festival, celebrated with various customs across different regions.
• Kite Flying: In many parts of India, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, kite flying is a major activity during this festival.
• Religious Practices: People take holy dips in rivers, especially the Ganges, to cleanse themselves of past sins.
• Puja: Special prayers and offerings are made to the Sun God (Surya).

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in many parts of India and Nepal, and it is known by different names in different regions.

Uttarayan in Gujarat

In Gujarat, it is known as Uttarayan, and it is celebrated with kite-flying contests. The word “Uttarayan” means “the northward journey of the sun,” and it marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). This transition is considered to be an auspicious time in the Hindu calendar, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. One of the most famous and beloved traditions of Uttarayan is the flying of kites. On this day, people of all ages take to the rooftops and open spaces to fly kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. The skies are filled with kites, and the festival is marked by a spirit of joy and camaraderie as people compete to see who can keep their kite flying the longest. In addition to kite-flying, Uttarayan is also marked by the exchange of sweets and the performance of traditional music and dance. It is a time of celebration and joy, and it is an important festival in the cultural calendar of Gujarat.

Pongal in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal, and it is celebrated with feasts, offerings to the gods, and the exchange of gifts.   Pongal is a four-day festival that is marked by feasts, offerings to the gods, and the exchange of gifts. The first day of Pongal is known as “Bhogi,” and it is marked by the disposal of old household items and the welcoming of new ones. The second day, known as “Surya Pongal,” is a day of thanksgiving to the sun god, and it is marked by the cooking of a special dish called “pongal,” which is made from rice, lentils, and milk. The third day, known as “Mattu Pongal,” is a day dedicated to cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. The fourth and final day, known as “Kaanum Pongal,” is a day for families to come together and celebrate.

In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Pongal is also an important agricultural festival, as it marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the abundance of the season and the blessings of the gods.

Bihu in Assam

In Assam, it is known as Bihu, and it is celebrated with dancing, singing, and the exchange of sweets.

Bihu is a major festival in the state of Assam in India, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. There are three Bihu festivals that are celebrated in Assam: Rongali Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Bhogali Bihu.

Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, is the most important and widely celebrated of the three Bihu festivals. It is celebrated in the month of April and marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year. Rongali Bihu is a time of great joy and celebration, and it is marked by dancing, singing, and the exchange of sweets and gifts.

Kongali Bihu, also known as Kati Bihu, is the second Bihu festival and is celebrated in the month of October. It is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and is marked by the lighting of lamps and the offering of prayers to the gods.

Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is the third Bihu festival and is celebrated in the month of January. It is a time of feasting and celebrations, and it is marked by the burning of large bonfires and the eating of traditional dishes such as laru (a type of rice cake) and xaak (a type of leafy vegetable).

Overall, the Bihu festivals are an important part of the cultural calendar of Assam and are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
In addition to its cultural and religious significance, Makar Sankranti is also an important agricultural festival, as it marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the harvest season. In many parts of India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with the offering of thanks to the gods for a good harvest and the celebration of the abundance of the season.

Overall, Makar Sankranti is a festive and joyful occasion that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across India and Nepal.