Every year on the 14th of January, Makar Sankranti is observed. Unlike most Hindu festivals, which are based on the Lunar Calendar and are determined by the changing positions of the Moon, Makar Sankranti is based on the Solar Calendar. Makar Sankranti is observed every year to commemorate the Sun's passage through the Capricorn or Makar sign. Sankranti simply translates to 'movement.' As a result, the event commemorates the Sun's entry into the Makar zodiac.

The duration of the day and night are equal on the day of the Makar Sankranti festival, making it one of the oldest solstice festivities. The festival formally heralds the arrival of spring, often known as Indian summer. The Sun stays in for a bit longer after this day than it did the previous days, making days last a little longer than nights.

Religious and Cultural perspective

Makar Sankranti is a religious and cultural holiday with a lot of meaning. On this day, Lord Surya is said to pay a visit to his son, Lord Shani, who is the lord of the Makar sign, according to the Puranas. This celebration represents the strong tie that exists between a father and his son.

Makar Sankranti is also celebrated to commemorate Lord Vishnu's victory over the Asuras, according to popular belief. Lord Vishnu eased the Asuras' misery on Prithvi Lok by chopping off their heads and burying them under the Mandara Parvat, according to tradition. As a result, it denotes the triumph of virtue over impiety.

The Harvest festival

Makar Sankranti is observed to honour the season's first harvest and all those who worked hard to ensure a plentiful harvest. On the day after Makar Sankranti, a festival called 'Mattu Pongal' is held to honour the farm animals' tireless efforts in ensuring a successful harvest. Farm animals are essential for a healthy and plentiful harvest. As a result, it is critical to recognise and honour their efforts and hard work. Animals are also believed to be a part of the conference when the following harvest and crop sowing are scheduled in far-flung villages. This festival honours our shared link with other species as well as the mutually beneficial ecology in which we live.

The Cosmic Connect

Makar Sankranti also has a celestial tinge to it. For sages and yogis, this time is considered crucial for new starts in their spiritual journeys. In general, people think about starting over and letting go of any painful memories or associations from the past. The divine relationship between the human and cosmic systems underpins many elements of a Yogi's existence. A Yogi's life evolves by taking into account all of the movements in the universe and in a human's existence, from the movement of the planets to the human life cycle.

Visit https://www.mypandit.com/festivals/makar-sankranti/ to learn more about its Dates, Punya Kaal Muhurat, Maha Punya Kaal Muhurat, significance, religious rituals and customs.