Why Is Makar Sankranti Celebrated? Meaning, History, Significance & Traditions

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated? This question arises in the minds of millions of people every year in mid-January. It is not just a religious festival, but a celebration of the balance of nature, agriculture, society, and human life. When the sun changes its course and moves towards the north (Uttarayan), this change is celebrated in different parts of India with different names and traditions. Makar Sankranti gives us the message of changing seasons, teaches us to respect hard work, and strengthens the spirit of community.

The literal meaning of Makar Sankranti

“Makar” means Capricorn and
“Sankranti” means transition or change.
The day the sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn is called Makar Sankranti.
This event is considered very important from both astrological and astronomical perspectives.

Background and History of Makar Sankranti

In India's ancient calendar tradition, the movement of the sun holds special significance. When the sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn, that day is called Makar Sankranti. 'Sankranti' itself means the transition from one zodiac sign to another. There are a total of twelve Sankrantis in a year, but Makar Sankranti is considered special because on this day the sun begins its journey towards the north (Uttarayan).

According to historians and scholars, sun worship has been prevalent since the Vedic period. In the Rigveda and other texts, the sun is described as the giver of life. In agrarian societies, the movement of the sun, the seasons, and the crops are directly interconnected. Because of this, this festival became deeply ingrained in folk life over time, and the traditions continued to be passed down from generation to generation.

The significance of the sun's movement towards the north

On the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun moves from its southward journey (Dakshinayan) to its northward journey (Uttarayan). In Indian tradition, Uttarayan is considered:

• An auspicious time
• A time of positive energy
• An opportunity for spiritual progress

Therefore, Makar Sankranti is considered a meritorious festival. According to religious beliefs:

Bathing, donating, and chanting on this day yield manifold benefits

Bathing in holy rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna holds special significance.
Donating sesame seeds, jaggery, and grains is considered virtuous. It is said that good deeds performed during Uttarayan (when the sun moves towards the north) grant a person spiritual peace and liberation.

A festival connected to agriculture and nature

India is an agrarian country, and Makar Sankranti is directly linked to agriculture.

• At this time, the harvesting of the Kharif crop is in its final stages.
• Farmers thank the Sun God.
• It symbolizes a new harvest and a new beginning.
• This is why it is also called a harvest festival.

Makar Sankranti from a scientific perspective

The scientific aspect of Makar Sankranti is equally important.

Seasonal change: This time signals the gradual departure of winter and the preparation for spring. Days begin to get longer, and there is more sunshine.
Health benefits: In winter, the body needs warmth and energy. Foods like sesame seeds and jaggery provide the body with warmth, calcium, and iron.
Agricultural cycle: The sowing of Rabi crops is completed, and harvesting begins in many regions. It is a celebration of the farmer's hard work.

Thus, this festival is not just about faith, but also teaches us to live in harmony with the laws of nature.

The importance of sesame seeds and jaggery

Why is there a tradition of eating sesame seeds and jaggery?
The tradition of eating sesame seeds and jaggery on Makar Sankranti is thousands of years old.

Health reasons:

• Sesame seeds provide warmth to the body.
• Jaggery improves digestion.
• This combination is extremely beneficial in winter.

Social and cultural significance

Makar Sankranti is not limited to worship and rituals; This is also a symbol of:

• Brotherhood
• Fraternity
• Social unity

Makar Sankranti and the tradition of kite flying

In many parts of India, there is a tradition of flying kites on Makar Sankranti.

Reasons behind this:

• The weather is clear and favorable.
• It creates an atmosphere of collective celebration.
• It provides both competition and enjoyment.
• This tradition strengthens social bonds.

How is Makar Sankranti celebrated?

It is celebrated with different names and customs in different parts of India

1. North India
Here it is called Makar Sankrantior Khichdi Parv. Bathing in holy rivers, donating khichdi, and performing puja are common customs.

2. West India
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, kite flying is the main attraction. Colorful kites on rooftops, the sound of drums, and the sweetness of sesame and jaggery create a unique atmosphere.

3. South India
In Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated for four days as 'Pongal'. Pongal, made from newly harvested rice, is offered to the Sun God.

4. Eastern India
This festival is celebrated as 'Bhogali Bihu' in Assam and 'Poush Sankranti' in Bengal. Dishes made with sesame seeds and community feasts are common.

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Answer: Because the sun enters the Capricorn constellation and Uttarayan (the sun's northward movement) begins.

Why does Makar Sankranti fall on the same date every year?
Answer: Because it is a festival based on solar calculations.

Why are sesame seeds and jaggery consumed on Makar Sankranti?
Answer: For health benefits and to bring sweetness to relationships.

Is Sankranti only a Hindu festival?
Answer: It is a cultural and agricultural festival celebrated by people of all communities in different forms.

Read More: Makar Sankranti Importance: Rituals, Significance and Shubh Muhurat