Sankranthi

Makar Sankranti is a significant day as the Sun enters Makar Rashi (i.e. Capricorn zodiac) as per Vedic astrology. In Hinduism the Sun is worshipped and known as Surya Deva who nourishes all living beings on the Earth. Although all twelve days in Hindu calendar when Surya Deva transits a Rashi are considered significant for worshipping Surya Deva, taking religious bath in holy water bodies and performing charity activities but the day when Surya Deva starts moving into Makar Rashi is considered the most auspicious day of the year to worship Lord Surya. Many people wrongly assume and observe Makar Sankranti as the day of Uttarayana. Makar Sankranti and Uttarayana are two separate astronomical as well as religious events. However thousands years before (precisely in year 285 C.E. as per Lahiri Ayanamsha) the day of Makar Sankranti was coinciding with the day of Uttarayana. The Uttarayana is combination of Uttara and Ayana which mean north and six months duration respectively. Hence, by the definition of Uttarayana, it occurs on the day of Winter Solstice. Makar Sankranti is significant due to the transit of Surya in Makar Rashi and Uttarayana is significant due to Surya beginning Northern journey (i.e. start moving into Northern hemisphere) after completing His six months Southern journey. In modern India, people have stopped observing Winter Solstice for any religious activities however Bhishma Pitamah chose Uttarayana i.e. Winter Solstice to leave his body even the day of Utt

Numerous rituals are followed during Sankranti. These rituals vary from state to state and within a state region to region. However, ritualistic bonfire a day before Makar Sankranti worshipping rising Surya Deva, the Sun God holy dip in sacred water bodies making Pongal and distributing it as Prasad in Tamil Nadu performing charity by giving alms to the needy flying kites especially in Gujarat worshipping live stocks preparing sweets make of sesame and jaggery taking oil bath mostly in South India

The Sun God as Surya Deva is worshipped during Sankranti. In South India, on the next day of Sankranti Lord Krishna is also worshipped. According to legends famous in south India, Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan on the next day of Makar Sankranti. Apart from deities, live stocks and cattle e.g. bulls, cows and oxen are worshipped during Sankranti.