Monika discusses Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrating the Sun’s northward journey, symbolising spiritual growth from ignorance to wisdom and darkness to light, exclusively for Different Truths.
“तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्।"
(Let us meditate upon the most excellent glory of the divine light of the Sun. May it illuminate our intellects.)
Makar Sankranti, a sacred observance in Sanatan Dharma, marks the Sun’s transition into Makara Rashi (Capricorn) and the onset of uttarayana—the Sun’s northward journey. This cosmic shift is more than an astronomical event; it is a symbol of spiritual ascent, a movement from ignorance (avidya) to wisdom (jnana), and darkness (tamas) to light (prakasha).
Spiritual Significance of Makar Sankranti
The festival signifies a turning point in the cosmic cycle, a time when Surya Deva, the life-giver, begins to reclaim his dominance over the sky. According to the Vedas and Puranas, the Sun represents the soul (atman), the eternal witness to all creation. When the Sun enters Capricorn, a sign ruled by Shani, it symbolises the harmonious union of discipline (niyama) and vitality (prana).
This transition into uttarayana is believed to enhance spiritual practices, as the cosmic energies align favourably for meditation, austerities, and devotion. The Bhagavad Gita mentions uttarayana as the sacred pathway for liberation:
"अग्निर्ज्योतिरहः शुक्लः षण्मासा उत्तरायणम्।
तत्र प्रयाता गच्छन्ति ब्रह्म ब्रह्मविदो जनाः।"
(Those who leave their body during the bright half of the year, when the Sun moves northward, attain Brahman.)
Mythological Narratives
- 1. The Death of Bhishma: In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha chose to relinquish his life during uttarayana, believing it to be the most auspicious time for attaining liberation (moksha). His act reflects the festival’s association with spiritual elevation and divine timing.
- 2. Surya and Shani’s Meeting: A popular story recounts the meeting of Surya Deva and his son Shani Dev during this period. Despite their strained relationship, the Sun visits Shani, symbolising forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transcendence of differences.
- 3. Surya and Lord Vishnu: In some traditions, Makar Sankranti is linked to Lord Vishnu’s victory over demons, where he buried them beneath the Mandara Mountain. This act signifies the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), a theme central to the festival.
Cosmic and Agricultural Relevance
The festival also marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. In agrarian societies, Makar Sankranti signals the conclusion of the harvest season. Farmers express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life and ensuring abundance. This gratitude is celebrated in various ways across regions, with rituals, feasts, and offerings.
Rituals and Practices
- 1. Snana and Dhyana: Taking a dip in holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari during Makar Sankranti is considered purifying. It cleanses the body and soul, aligning the individual with cosmic energies. The sankalpa (spiritual resolve) taken during this time carries heightened significance.
- 2. Daan and Dakshina: Charity is a cornerstone of the festival. Offerings of til (sesame), gur (jaggery), blankets, and food reflect the principle of daan (selfless giving), fostering humility and detachment (vairagya).
- 3. Homas and Yajnas: In many households, rituals like Surya Arghya (offering water to the Sun) and fire offerings (homas) are performed. These acts symbolise surrender to the divine and the burning away of impurities.
Regional Celebrations
While the essence of Makar Sankranti remains universal, its celebrations take on unique forms across India:
- 1. Pongal in Tamil Nadu: A four-day festival that venerates Surya Deva, Indra, and cattle. Boiling rice with milk and jaggery symbolizes abundance and gratitude.
- 2. Lohri in Punjab: Bonfires are lit to honour Agni (fire) and celebrate the harvest.
- 3. Uttarayan in Gujarat: The skies come alive with colourful kites, symbolising freedom and joy.
- 4. Poush Sankranti in Bengal: Devotees take a dip at the Ganga Sagar confluence and prepare sweets like pithe and payesh.
Philosophical Insights
Makar Sankranti invites reflection on the balance between material and spiritual pursuits. Just as the Sun journeys northward, dispelling cold and darkness, humans are urged to rise above worldly distractions, moving closer to their divine nature. The festival reminds us that change, though inevitable, leads to renewal and growth.
Makar Sankranti is more than a festival; it is a spiritual awakening. It teaches us to harmonize with cosmic cycles, to let go of the old, and to embrace the new with gratitude and humility. As the Sun ascends, it calls upon us to elevate our thoughts and actions, embodying the eternal truths of dharma and oneness with the universe.
"सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु, मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत्।"
(May all be happy, may all be healthy, may all experience auspiciousness, and may no one suffer.)
Picture design by Anumita Roy
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