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Significance Of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, is celebrated in Northern India with aplomb as a tribute to the Sun God. This festival marks the movement of Sun into the zodiac sign on Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. Saturn and Sun are considered enemies, however, with this interaction the Sun starts its movement towards the Southern hemisphere.
When it comes to seasonal significance, this festival marks the onset of longer days of summer. With Makar Sankranti the winter harvest season arrives for the whole Northern India and subsequent other parts. On this day worshippers take dip in the holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari among others. Kids fly kites across the sky and have a gala time eating food like khichdi, chikki, til, gud and other sweets.
Makar Sankranti has many stories associated with it. The first one is that of Devi Sanktranti who killed a asura named Sankarasur on this day. It is also said to be the day when Devi Ganga followed Bhagirath to Kapil Muni’s ashram subsequently merging into the ocean. However, the most important mythological story associated with Makar Sankranti is that of Bhishma from Mahabharata.
During the battle of Mahabharata, Bhishma was defeated by the Pandavas. Arjun shot arrows on him hiding behind Shikhandi, the transgender, who was given the boon to end Bhishma’s life. As the mighty warrior lay on the bed of arrows, he remembered his boon of leaving his body when he wanted. He waited for 58 days on the bed of arrows for the Sun to start its movement in the Southern Hemisphere (Uttarayan). It is believed the Uttarayan signifies positivity and goodness, hence those who leave their body on Uttarayan achieve Moksha (or salvation). Knowing this, he finally left his body on Uttarayan.
Makar Sankranti is also known as Khichdi, as on this day khichdi (a spicy lentil and rice dish) is prepared in the household. This khichdi is distributed amongst the poor and then consumed on the day. Donations on this day are said to bring much luck and abundance. Any kind of puja or yagna is believed to bring success in manifolds. Hence, this day is considered a very lucky day for the beginning of the year.
Also Read: When Little Lord Krishna Bought Golden Mangoes
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