Reasons for celebrating Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated on January 14th. It is a festival of special importance in the Hindu religion. The northward movement of the Sun also begins on this day, so this festival is also called Uttarayan in some places. Very few people know why Makar Sankranti is celebrated. According to different beliefs, there are different reasons for celebrating it. Let us know about this.

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A Father’s Blessing

According to the Puranas, on the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun comes to his son Shani’s house for a month. The lord of Capricorn is Shani, and on this day, the Sun God fills the storehouse of Shani Maharaj. Astrologically, the coordination between Sun and Saturn is not possible, but on this day, the Sun himself goes to his son’s house. Therefore, in the Puranas, this day is seen as the beginning of closeness in the father-son relationship.

Madhusudan’s Victory

On the day of Makar Sankranti, Lord Vishnu declared the end of the war with Madhu and Kaitabh. He pressed down the Mandara mountain by placing it on Madhu’s shoulder. On this day, Lord Vishnu came to be known as Madhusudan.

Bhagirath’s Tribute

Maharaj Bhagirath, who brought Ganga to earth, performed tarpan on this day for the peace of the souls of his ancestors. After accepting his tarpan, Ganga merged into the sea on this day. That is why a fair is held at Gangasagar on Makar Sankranti.

The Legend of Durga

Mother Durga set foot on the earth on this day to kill the demon Mahishasura. Finally, the demon was killed by the goddess, on account of which Navratri is celebrated every year. Durga’s ability to protect and show compassion is reflected, and her supreme power is displayed.

Uttarayan and Moksha

In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah willingly gave up his body when the Sun was in Uttarayan. The reason being that the soul of a person who gives up his body in Uttarayan attains salvation or stays in Devalok and does not return to the womb again.

The celebration of Makar Sankranti honors the Sun’s power, the harvest of fresh crops, and progress. It is a day to consider the harmonious coexistence of cosmic forces and how they affect human existence. May the Sun’s entry into Capricorn bring you more happiness, wisdom, and knowledge as we commemorate this auspicious festival.

Wishing you a very Happy Makar Sankranti!