“Makar Sankranti”: The Festival of Sun and New Beginnings

“Makar Sankranti”, also known as the Uttarayana, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually on January 14 (or January 15 during leap years) as per the Gregorian calendar. On the other hand, it lies on the first day of the tenth solar month as per most of the Hindu calendars.

This year, we are celebrating the divine festival of “Makar Sankranti” on the 14th January 2025.

As per “Drik Panchang”,

• Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, 14th January 2025
• Makar Sankranti Moment - 09:03 a.m.

Rooted in the ancient Vedic tradition, this festival marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makara) and heralds the beginning of its northward journey (Uttarayana). Dedicated to the solar deity Surya, Makar Sankranti signifies new beginnings, gratitude, and cultural unity, with celebrations varying across different states and regions of India.

Let us explore the festival’s astronomical significance, rituals, cultural diversity, and unique traditions observed throughout India and beyond.

Astronomical Shifts and the Role of Leap Years in Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a significant astronomical event. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), signifying the beginning of the Sun's northward journey, known as Uttarayana. However, due to the precession of the Earth's axis, an astronomical phenomenon known as the axial precession, the actual timing of Makar Sankranti gradually shifts over time. This shift occurs because the Earth's axis wobbles slightly as it rotates, causing the positions of stars and zodiac signs to slowly drift. As a result, Makar Sankranti does not always align with the same date as per the Gregorian calendar.

Historically, Makar Sankranti used to fall on December 21, aligning with the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. However, over thousands of years, the date has shifted to January 14th or 15th due to the precession. This gradual movement means that the festival will continue to shift further in the coming centuries. This celestial drift emphasizes the dynamic relationship between the Earth’s rotation, orbit, and its connection to seasonal and solar movements, underscoring the cosmic importance of Makar Sankranti.

Leap years also play a role in maintaining the alignment of the festival with the solar cycle. The Gregorian calendar, used internationally, is based on the Earth's revolution around the Sun, which takes approximately 365.25 days. To account for the extra quarter of a day, an additional day is added every four years. Despite this adjustment, the synchronization between the solar calendar and the traditional Hindu lunisolar calendar is not perfect. This is why the timing of Makar Sankranti gradually drifts, making it vital to calculate the exact moment of the Sun's transition into Capricorn each year based on precise astronomical observations. This intricate interplay between cosmic cycles and calendar adjustments highlights the scientific and spiritual depth of the festival.

A Multi-Faceted Celebration Across India

Makar Sankranti is unique because, unlike other Hindu festivals determined by the lunar calendar, it follows the solar calendar, keeping its date almost constant each year. Though celebrated under different names and with varied customs across India, its core theme of gratitude to the Sun and nature remains universal.

Regional Celebrations

• Pongal (Tamil Nadu):
• A four-day harvest festival where people cook sweet rice, "Pongal," as an offering to Surya. Overflowing pots symbolize abundance and gratitude.
• Uttarayana (Gujarat):
• Marked by kite flying, signifying soaring aspirations and joy as the Sun's energy strengthens.
• Magh Bihu (Assam):
• A harvest festival where feasts, bonfires, and community prayers celebrate the agricultural cycle.
• Lohri (Punjab):
• Observed a day before Makar Sankranti, bonfires represent the warmth of community and prayers for a bountiful harvest.
• Maghi (Haryana & Himachal Pradesh):
• A day of traditional delicacies and spiritual gatherings, emphasizing renewal and prosperity.

Rituals and Practices

The day of “Makar Sankranti” is marked by the following rituals and observances:

1. Holy Bathing

Devotees take a sacred dip in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. This ritual is believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul. The act symbolizes surrendering one’s ego and aligning with cosmic energies.

2. Prayers to Surya

Worshipping Surya involves offering water (Arghya) and chanting mantras that express gratitude for sustaining life. This act is said to bring inner peace and prosperity.

3. Bonfires and Feasts

Communities gather around bonfires, sharing stories, songs, and food. These acts promote unity and celebrate life’s blessings.

4. Kite Flying

Flying kites is more than a playful activity; it symbolizes humanity’s connection with the divine and aspirations for higher achievements.

5. Magha Mela and Kumbh Mela

The Magha Mela, mentioned in the Mahabharata, is a grand fair organized near sacred rivers. Every 12 years, Makar Sankranti coincides with the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, where millions bathe at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, set to begin on January 13 in Prayagraj, is a sacred confluence of spirituality and unity. This grand gathering, rooted in Hindu texts, draws millions to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, where devotees seek spiritual purification and liberation.

It symbolizes not only a deep spiritual awakening but also the enduring values of unity, compassion, and renewal that resonate across all walks of life.

Muhurta

As per “Drik Panchang”,

Makar Sankranti is on Tuesday, 14th January 2025

• Sankranti Ghati: The Sankranti Ghati refers to the time division of the day and will be 6 (Dinamana) on 14th January 2025.
• Karana: The Sankranti Karana for this year is Balava, a specific phase in the lunar calendar.
• Moon Sign: During this event, the moon will be in Karka (Cancer) rashi.
• Nakshatra: The Punarvasu Nakshatra (Chara Sangyaka) will influence the day, symbolizing renewal and hope.

Makar Sankranti Punya Kala - 09:03 a.m. to 05:43 p.m.

Duration - 08 Hours 40 Mins

Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala - 09:03 a.m. to 10:47 a.m.

Duration - 01 Hour 44 Mins

Performing rituals like holy bathing during Punya Kala, particularly Maha Punya Kala, is considered the most auspicious.

As per panchanga, this makar Sankranti would bring fear and anxiety, people will suffer from cough and cold, conflict among nations and chances of famine due to lack of rains. Commodities cost would be normal. Thieves would be benefitted.

This year one must avoid wearing yellow on the day of Makar Sankranti.

Traditionally, people donate sesame seeds (til), jaggery, clothes, and food to the needy. Sesame and jaggery sweets, like til ladoos, symbolize unity, as their combination teaches us to embrace differences with sweetness and harmony.

In spiritual terms, Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where individuals strive for self-improvement, overcome negativity, and nurture relationships. It aligns with the principle of Sanatan Dharma, which advocates for living in harmony with nature and fellow beings.

Global Connections: Sankranti Beyond Borders

The cultural influence of Makar Sankranti extends beyond India:

• In Nepal, it is celebrated as Maghe Sankranti with feasts and family gatherings.
• In Thailand, it is called Songkran, a festival marked by water fights and joyous celebrations.
• In Cambodia and Myanmar, similar traditions highlight the gratitude towards nature and the changing seasons.

The Essence of Makar Sankranti

At its heart, Makar Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the cosmic rhythm of the universe and humanity's intimate connection with nature. It is a time to express gratitude for the Sun's life-giving energy, renew one’s spiritual path, and embrace values of harmony, charity, and resilience.

As we celebrate this festival, let us reflect on its profound message:

• Embrace change as a natural part of life.
• Cultivate gratitude for the abundance in our lives.
• Align our actions with cosmic principles, striving to live in harmony with the world around us.

May this Makar Sankranti bring you light, wisdom, and prosperity. Happy Sankranti!