Makar Snakranti is a very auspicious and sacred day. It is known by different names in different parts of India such as Uttarayan, Pongal, Magh Bihu, Makara Sankranti, Sankranti or Maghi. This festival marks the end of the winters and the beginning of spring season having longer days.
On Makar Sankranti, the sun enters the Makar rashi. From this day onwards the sun starts it journey towards north that is why the festival is also known as Uttarayan.
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated
- Lord Surya is worshipped on Makar Sankranti. Sun enters the makar rashi on this day and start its journey towards north direction. It marks the end of harsh winters and beginning of better spring season.
- Farmers celebrate the festival to welcome the harvesting season.
- On this day, Sankranti the diety killed the demon Sankarasur and on the next day killed the demon Kinkarasur. So the next day of Makar Sankaranti is known as Kinkrant
How to celebrate Makar Sankranti
- People take a dip in the holy rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, Krishna or Godavari.
- Kite flying takes place all around the country especially in the state of Gujrat.
- People worship Lord Sun.
- Melas (Fairs) are organized in various parts of the country to celebrate the festival.
During Mahabharat, after Bhishma got injured on the battle field of Kurukshetra, he held his life until this day and left this world on Makar Sankranti. It is said that if some one dies on this day, then they are released from the cycle of rebirth and go to heaven.
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