Makar Sankranti Festival

Tithi (Date)

Makar Sankranti Festival is not dependent on the position of the moon, but on position of the sun. On the eve of Makar Sankranti, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. To compensate for the difference that occurs due to the revolution around the sun, every eighty years the day of Makar Sankranti is postponed by one day.

History

Sankranti is considered a Deity. According to a legend Sankranti killed a demon named Sankarasur.The day followed by Makar sankrant is called Kinkrant or Karidin. On Makar Sankranti, the female deity (devi) slayed the demon Kinkarasur.

Information

Information on Sankranti is available in the Panchang: The Panchang (Hindu Almanac) provides information on the form, age, clothing, direction of movement etc. of Makar Sankranti . This information is appropriate to the changes taking place in Her according to time. He who is touched by Goddess Makar Sankranti  gets destroyed.

To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the Sun does from the Day of Makar Sankranti.
The festival of Makar Sankranti is highly regarded by the Hindus from North to down South. The day is known by various names and a variety of traditions are witnessed as one explores the festival in different states.