In our country, the festival of Makar Sankranti has special significance, which is celebrated with great pomp in the month of January every year. On this day, the sun turns Uttarayan, that is, the northern hemisphere of the earth turns towards the sun. According to the traditions, the Sun enters Capricorn on this day. This festival is known by different names in different states of the country. In Uttar Pradesh, it is celebrated as Khichdi, Bihu in Assam, and Pongal in South India. Generally, it is celebrated on 14 or 15 January.  In the year 2020, it will be celebrated on 15 January.

What is Sankranti?

Sankranti is the movement of Sun from one zodiac sign to another. The time between one solstice to another is the solar month. Although there are 12 Surya Sankranti in total, Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Makar Sankranti are prominent among them.

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?

When the sun reaches Capricorn from Sagittarius sign, Makar Sankranti is celebrated. The importance of the Sun moving from Sagittarius to Capricorn is more important because at this time the Sun becomes Uttarayan from Dakshinayan. Uttarayan is considered the day of the gods. Bathing in auspicious rivers and performing charity in the time of Makar Sankranti have special significance. Prasad of sesame and jaggery is also distributed on Makar Sankranti. There is a tradition of flying kites in many places like the Gujarat state of India.