Makar Sankranti

MAKAR SANKRANTI

FESTIVALS OF INDIA – MAKAR SANKRANTI

Makar Sankranti or Sankranti or Sankranthi is an Indian festival, marking the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path.India’s vast geography and the diverse culture makes it possible to celebrate this festival in number of ways depending on the climate, agricultural environment, cultural background and location.

Sankrati being a Sanskrit word refers to the migration of sun from one Rashi to another. In this case, the transition is from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) to Makara rashi (Capricorn). For this purpose, the signs and houses of the zodiac are calculated using sidereal time, not tropical. As such it does not account for the Earth’s precession.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different parts of India with certain variations in the name as Uttarayan, Maghi, Pongal, Magh Bihu, Shishur Saenkraat, Makara Vilakku Festival and others.