Makara Sankranti

The movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign into another is called Sankranti in Indian astrology.There is a Sankranthi every month but the movement of Sun into the house of Makara or Capricorn is very important. From an astrological viewpoint, the entry of Sun also called as Ravi in Indian astrology terms into Makara Rasi or Capricorn is called as Makar Sankranti.

The festival is a harvest festival and is popular in the Indian states, each celebrating it in a different manner .From this day the days become longer and warmer and thus more conducive for people to lead a normal life.

From this day onwards the luminary Sun begins its journey from the Southern hemisphere towards the Northern hemisphere with respect to the Earth indicating the start of the summer season. This part of the season is also called as Uttarayana. During this period the power of Sun will be more.Sun God is worshipped with great reverence by Hindus throughout the world.

Makar Sankramanam will come in the Full moon in Pushami Star. This month is called as Pusha or Pausa in Hindu calendar. Pusha masa is ruled by Saturn. When Sun enters in Makara Rasi, Sani oor Saturn wns the house and Kuja or Mars is in exalted position and Guru or Jupiter is debilitated. During this period, auspicious events are to be avoided. Natives born in this period usually suffer health issues.

The auspicious day of Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal in South India. In most regions of the Indian subcontinent, the festival is celebrated for three days. The day before Makara Sankranti is known as Bhogi when houses are cleaned and old items in the house are set on fire. On Sankranti, people wear new clothes and visit temples to celebrate the harvest yield. The third day is known as Kanuma.Kite flying is followed in some North Indian states.

Makar Sankranti is also known as Til Sankranti. As per the astrological sayings, it is believed that, when Sun(Surya) enters in enemy's house that is Saturn(Shani) sign, then to reduce the inauspicious effect of Sun, items related to Saturn are donated. On Makar Sankranti, changing of sign by Sun symbolises the change of darkness to light.

According to Indian mythology ,Sankranti is considered a Deity. It is said that Sankranti killed a demon named Sankarasur. The day followed by Makar Sankrant is called Kinkrant or Karidin. On this day, the female deity Devi is said to have slayed the demon Kinkarasur.

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