Makara Sankranti has special geo-agri-economical significance to people of Indian Sub-Continent. Makara Sankranti is about transition of Sun into Capricorn on its celestial path. (Sankranti being Sanskrit for transition). This is significant considering Winter Solstice marking gradual increase of duration of day. Also traditionally this has been one of many (considering vastness of land and climatic variation) harvest days.
The day on which the sun begins its journey northwards is referred to as Makara Sankranti. Sankramana means "to commence movement" and hence the name Makara Sankranti given to one of the largest, most auspicious, but varied festivals in the Indian subcontinent. It usually falls in the middle of January. Because of the geography and size of India, this festival is celebrated for innumerable reasons depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and position in the context of north or south of India. Makara Sankranti is also to honour, worship and to pay respect to the word mother, Saraswati Maa (Goddess of Knowledge). At the start of this significant event, there is also worship for the departed ancestors. The period is also considered an ideal time for aspirants to satisfy "the goals of life".
Very significant however, is the day preceding Makara Sankranti, called Bhogi and this is when people discard old and derelict things and concentrate on new things causing change or transformation. Sweets in generous quantities are prepared and distributed. Very important though, cooking is done by women on this occasion. Since the festival is celebrated in mid winter, food prepared for this festival is such that it keeps the body warm and gives high energy. Laddu of til made with Jaggery is a specialty of the festival. Families are joined together for this occasion without fail. Brothers pay special tribute to their married sisters by giving gifts as affirmation of their filial love. The landlord gives gifts of food, clothes and money to their workforce. On the day after Makara Sankranti, the animal kingdom is remembered and in particular, the cows. Young girls feed the animals, birds and fishes as a symbol of sharing. Travel is considered to be inappropriate, as these days are dedicated for re-union of the families. Pongal in this sense demonstrates their strong cultural values as well as a time for change and transformation. And finally, the Gurus seek out their devotees to bestow blessings on them. This worship of Saraswati is the reason that they celebrate Vasanta Panchami that represents the first day of spring and falls in January-February. People are dressed in yellow that signifies auspiciousness and spirituality and it represents the ripening of the spring crops. The Bengalis call Vasanta Panchami Saraswati Puja, where her image is finally immersed in the holy Ganges after parading for seven days with great pomp and splendour. Its background is based on Shiva who destroyed the demon Tarakasura to ashes. Ashes are symbolic of the conquest of purity over impurity which is the essence of Holika.
In conclusion therefore, the spiritual significance of Makara Sankranti is the remembrance of the incarnation and descent of Lord Shiva on earth to protect the virtuous, destroy the evil, re-establish dharma and the New World of the golden age. To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makara 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 Makara Sankranti.
Sankranti is celebrated all over Southeast Asia with some regional variations:
In North India,
- Himachal Pradesh - Lohri
- Punjab - Lohri
- Uttar Pradesh - Sankranti
In East India,
- Bihar - Sankranti
- Assam - Bhogali Bihu
- West Bengal - Makara Sankranti
- Orissa - Makara Sankranti
In Western India
- Gujarat and Rajasthan - Uttarayan (Kite flying festival)
- Maharashtra - Sankranti
In South India,
- In Andhra Pradesh - Makara Sankranti
- In Tamilnadu - Pongal
- In Karnataka - Sankranthi
- Makara Vilakku Festival in Sabarimala Temple
Other parts of India as Makara Sankranti
In Nepal,
- Tharu people - Maghi
- Other people - Maghe Sankranti or Maghe Sakrati
In Thailand - Songkran
In Laos - Pi Ma Lao
In Myanmar - Thingyan
Legends behind Makar Sakranti:
The Puranas say that on this day Sun visits the house of his son Shani, who is the swami of Makar Rashi. These father & son do not ordinarily get along nicely, but inspite of any difference between each other Lord Sun makes it a point to meet each other on this day.
From Uttarayana starts the ‘day’ of Devatas, while dakshinayana is said to be the ‘night’ of devatas, so most of the auspicious things are done during this time.
It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terrorism of the Asuras by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandar Parvat.
The great saviour of his ancestors, Maharaj Bhagirath, did great Tapasya to bring Gangaji River down on the earth for the redemption of 60,000 sons of Maharaj Sagar, who were burnt to ashes at the Kapil Muni Ashram, near the present day Ganga Sagar. It was on this day that Bhagirath finally did tarpan with the Ganges water for his unfortunate ancestors and thereby liberated them from the curse.