On the occasion of Makar Sankranti (14th January 2025)

Sun’s transit to Zodiac sign Capricorn

The Sun’s transit from one Zodiac sign to another is called ‘Sankranti’. In all there are 12 Sankrantis every year. Among them, the Sun’s transit in the months of Ashadha and Pousha are considered more important; because in Ashadha, the Sun transits to the Zodiac sign of Cancer, which marks the commencement of Dakshinayan (Movement of the Sun to the south of the equator). In the month of Pousha it enters the Zodiac sign of Capricorn, which marks the commencement of Uttarayan (Movement of the Sun to the north of the equator). Indians have accorded greater importance to Makar Sankraman  as it is considered pious. The glory of Uttarayan is so great that even Bhishma Pitamaha, who was on his deathbed during the latter part of the Mahabharat war, was holding back his life and waiting for the commencement of Uttarayan. It is said that death during Uttarayan imparts better momentum after death. Not just after death, but Uttarayan is necessary for good momentum and progress while alive. Makar Sankraman brings more sunlight and heat to Indians living in the northern hemisphere; hence, for Indians, the transit is welcomed in the form of a festival.

Around 22nd December, the Sun enters nirayan (A system wherein the phenomenon of precession of equinoxes is not taken into consideration, being followed by Indian astrologers) Capricorn from the sayan (A system of presenting the planets as they are in the sky, being followed by western astrologers) Sagittarius Zodiac sign and then about 23 days later, around 14th January enters Capricorn. According to the Shuddha Narayan Panchang (Tilak Panchang [Almanac]), this entry is on 10th January. Around 1915, this transition used to happen on 13th January. Currently, it takes place on 14th January and gradually it will occur on 15th January.

Mythology underlying Sankranti and Kinkranti 

Two demons named Sankarasur and Kinkarasur were tormenting Sages. The Goddess then killed Sankarasur and the following day killed Kinkarasur as well. While giving up their lives, both of them looked at the Goddess with joined hands; hence, this family ritual became famous after their names, meaning, Sankranti and the very next day as Kinkranti or Kar. This day is considered to be inauspicious.

What is the arrival  of Sankranti ?

As part of the science mentioned in Scriptures, the fruits of Sankranti are given in the Almanac. It mentions various things such as the Goddess’ vehicle, weapons, clothes, state, ornaments, etc. It is also used to predict the rain according to mathematical calculations and the resulting prosperity or drought. The Almanac also gives a picture of Sankranti. She moves from one direction to another on her vehicle and looks at the third direction. It is believed that there is prosperity from the direction where she arrives, and there is trouble in the direction towards which she heads and looks. All these are predictions based on mathematics. Since it is believed that the direction towards which she heads is trouble, the phrase ‘arrival of Sankranti (meaning trouble)’ has become common.’

– Ms Deepa Joshi (Courtesy : Excerpts from Monthly Jeshthavishva; January 2019 Issue)