Makara Sankranti is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in India by Hindu. It has some deep spiritual and religious significance. That is why it has been one of the most popular festivals in the whole nation. Generally it is celebrated on 14th January in every year. Makar Sankranti is a solar event. According to Hindu philosophy sun is the power that drives away all the darkness and illusions. Sun is the symbol of wisdom and goodness. It has the significant glory that can banish darkness of conventions, orthodoxy and superstitions.
Makar Sankranti is on one hand a festival of banishing the evil on the other it is the fest of harvesting. The name is derived from Sankraman or movement. In Hindu philosophy movement is the source of life. Makar Sankranti is about the movement of sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makar (Capricorn). The significance of this day is that the day becomes longer and the night becomes shorter. It also signifies that winter is also subsiding. The festival is also called Uttarayan as due to the movement of earth, Sun starts travelling north.
There are many reasons that has been stated in the the Purana. Some of them are given below.
- Makara symbolizes the union of father and son. Sun, the father of Shani, the lord of Makar rashi goes to visit his son. Though they do not get along well but they prefer to stay together for a month. That is why this day is quite significant for the celebration of the bond between parents and children.
- Uttarayan is significant as it is the mark of the day of Devatas. All the auspicious things are supposed to do during this time.
- Purana also says that it is on this day, lord Vishnu ended the terror of Asura at Mandar Mountains. The day signifies the win of good over the evil.
- The other significance of this day is Bhagiratha paid tarpana with Ganges water to liberate the soul of his unfortunate ancestors.
Different states celebrate this festival in their different way. As it is quite intricately oriented with harvest, Tamil Nadu celebrates it as Pongal, Andhra Pradesh celebrates it as Padunga, Punjab celebrates it with Lohri and Magi followed by their dance bhangra. This is the auspicious time when pilgrims come from various corners of India to celebrate Makara at the coastal areas. That is why Ganga Sagar mela happenes this time in West Bengal.
Celebrate Makara Sankranti today. Banish the darkness of evil and let the light of wisdom come and make your life brighter.
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