Makar Sankranti

Sankaranti means the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign into another. The sankranti when the Sun leaves the Capricorn (Makara), the tenth sign of the zodiac, is called ‘Makar Sankranti’. Makar Sankranti used to fall on 31 December a thousand years ago but now it falls on 14 or 15 January because the date of winter solstice changes by 1 day in every 70 years due to the axial precession of the earth. It is believed that Maan Durga, with a view to obliterating Mahisasur, incarnated at the holy ashram of maharishi Kardam and his wife Devhuti on the day of Makar Sankranti. Since the Sun turns to northward called Uttrayan following the day of winter solstice, the warmer and longer days begin to follow from this day onward and all the sacred rituals are allowed to be performed; or in other words, it is the end of an inauspicious period of Capricorn between mid-December and mid-January. Makar Sankranti also marks the celebration of harvest and the arrival of the spring. It is celebrated in all parts of our country in many cultural forms. On this day, people bathe in Ganga, make a donation to charity and eat garam-garam khichadi, with deshi ghee, hot and spicy vegetables and salad. Happy Makar Sankranti, everyone!