Makar Sankranti

Sankranti is defined as the movement/transmigration of Sun from one zodiac/constellation to another. It happens every month.

What’s special about Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a time of the year when Surya (Sun) moves to Makar (Capricorn) rashi. As per Vedic astrology, Makar(Capricorn) rashi is ruled by Shani (Saturn). It is the time when the father (Surya) enters into His son’s home (Shani). It is believed that Shani and Surya don’t get along well. However, during Makar Sankranti Shani welcomes Surya with open arms and great reverence in His home.

What’s the significance?

It’s the time to get over enmity, hatred, or any negativity in our lives towards anyone in the present or past. This is an auspicious time for new beginnings, resolutions, spiritual practices, sadhana, and meditation. This is also the time for harvesting of rabi crops.

The history of Hinduism tells us that Bhishma Pitamaha (who had the boon to choose his time of death) chose to leave the body to attain moksha.

It’s also the time when Sun begins His Northern journey called as Uttarayan followed by a change of seasons and days in different parts of the world.

Why Guur and Til?

In Vedic astrology, black Til(sesame seeds) represent Saturn and Guur has Sun element in it. Til and guur ladoo (Indian sweet) is a major part of celebration across different states in India. Combining these two, we honor and celebrate the union of father and son seeking strength for overcoming obstacles and animosity with generosity in our lives.

Makar Sankranti is also celebrated as Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu, Magha, Maghara, Pedda Padunga in various parts of India and Nepal.

What’s special about 2021 Makar Sankranti?

As the Sun moves into Capricorn, it unites with Shani (Saturn) and Guru (Jupiter), resulting into three major energies transiting Capricorn at the same time. The world is under transformation and we can expect huge changes following up at the macro and micro levels.

Happy Makar Sankranti!

May Guur (jaggery) sweeten your life and Til (sesame) absorb all the negativity from you and the world.

Image Source: Unsplash

PS: It’s blessing to be a part of a culture which is so perfectly aligned with the nature, movement of planets, seasons. Also, it’s blessing to be brought up with these cultural values and knowledge. On this day, I miss the time when I celebrated Lohri and Makar Sankranti at my home in India with family, grandparents, relatives and friends. The cultural strength and values strengthen me as we transcend through these difficult times. Sunshine to you!