MAKAR SANKRANTII
Makar(a) Sankranti is the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar instead of the lunar. Makar Sankranti is the celebration of the sun's journey from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere and is considered an auspicious time. Makar translates as 'Capricorn' and Sankranti means 'transition'. The astrological configuration on Makar Sankranti is called 'Maha-snana-yoga.' he festival of Makar Sankranti is also associated with the birth of the deity 'Narashansa', the first preceptor of righteousness in Kaliyuga and a predecessor to Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu. Makar Sankranti is also celebrated as the day of triumph of good over evil as Lord Vishnu defeated the demon Sankarasura on this day.
MORE ABOUT MAKAR SANKRANTI
Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year to mark the beginning of the harvest season and sun's transit to the Capricorn, signalling advent of warmer days and end of bitter cold. The days start to get longer after Makar Sankranti and this period of Uttarayan lasts for around six months. Sankranti means movement of the sun and Makar Sankranti is the most important of all 12 Sankrantis that fall in a year. The harvest festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the country though its rituals and name vary. Pousha Sankranti in West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam the festivities extend all over India.
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