What is Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti or Sankranthi is a festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun god. The significance of Surya can be traced back to Vedic texts as the dispeller of darkness and provider of knowledge.
When Sankranthi is Celebrated:
Sankranthi is one of the few festivals that is celebrated based on the solar calendar instead of the lunar calendar. Thus, it mostly falls on the 14th of January every year marking the sun’s transit (sankramana) into the Makara Rashi.
Sankranthi Significance:
Sankranthi is the time to give thanks for past successes and prosperity. It symbolizes the end of harsh winters and the start of joyful and peaceful times.
Sankranthi Celebrations:
- It is celebrated by flying kites, decorating homes, lighting bonfires, and exchanging sweets made out of sesame and jaggery. It is also considered auspicious to take a dip in sacred rivers.
- Sankranthi is celebrated by different names across India including Maghi in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Bihu in Assam. It truly symbolizes the Unity in Diversity of Hindu Dharma.
Over the past few years, members of the Hindu community in America have celebrated this festival by promoting Yoga through Health for Humanity Yogathons #yogaforhumanity
We wish you a Happy Makar Sankranthi!
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swath
Tat-savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat
Gayathari Mantra, Rigveda 3.62.10