Makar Sankranti
मकर संक्रांति
Sun enters Capricorn — harvest festival of India
📖 The Story
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It is one of the few Hindu festivals that follows the solar calendar. This day is considered highly auspicious because the Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayan), symbolising the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days. In Hindu mythology, this is the day when Bhishma Pitamah chose to leave his body, knowing the Sun was in Uttarayan.
🪔 Puja Vidhi
Wake before sunrise and take a holy bath. Offer sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur) to the Sun god while facing east. Light a lamp of sesame oil. Donate sesame laddoos, blankets, and warm clothes to the poor. Fly kites as a symbol of freedom and joy.
✨ Rituals & Traditions
🌟 Astrological Significance
Astronomical: Sun enters Capricorn. Spiritual: Beginning of auspicious Uttarayan period.