The festival of Makar Sankranti traditionally coincides with the beginning of the sun’s northward journey when it enters the sign of Makar (Capricorn). It is also called Uttarayan. Makar Sankranti is a unique occasion as it is observed in the solar calendar; most Hindu observances are determined by the lunar calendar. This auspicious occasion falls on January 14th every year.
To observe this occasion, in India, thousands of people immerse themselves in the waterways, such as the sacred Ganga River and Prayag, and worship Soorya Bhagavan. Performing religious austerities, noble deeds and giving donations hold special importance on this day. Scientifically, Sankranti marks the beginning of warmer and longer days. It is the termination of the winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season in India.
The significance of the festival of Makar Sankranti is explained in the Hindu religious texts. In the Raamaayan, for example, the author Sant Tulsidas vividly describes the celebration of Makar Sankranti at Prayag, where thousands of devotees gathered and performed worship and where a significant meeting took place between sages Bharadwaj Muni and Yajnavalkya.
The worship of the sun holds special significance on the day of Makar Sankranti. Soorya Bhagavan, positioned at the centre of our planetary system, is the chief of all planets. It is the prime source of energy and life on earth. Radiating effulgence over all of creation, Soorya is the light that energises all life. Referred to as the king of the solar system, this form of Brahman imparts its light perpetually, providing sustenance and guidance to all. Whether in its rising or setting stage, the sun gives life to the biosphere and results in the life process of the breath itself. In fact, every breath, every heartbeat is fuelled by the sun’s power.
From a scientific viewpoint the sun is one of the chief sources of energy from which all living beings obtain daily sustenance. Life processes of birth, growth, existence, maturity and reproduction can progress normally with the important factor of the rays of the sun, the real life-giving force on earth. Hence, praise and gratitude are in order. Symbolically, the sun signifies intellect, wisdom and true enlightenment. Devotees who engage in sincere worship of the sun are blessed with enlightened intellect, where the Sun of Divine Wisdom rises within, dispelling the andhakaar or darkness of ignorance and bringing inner illumination. The festival of Makar Sankranti offers the opportunity to attain such resplendence.
