Celestial Transits: Exploring the Significance of Makar Sankranti and the Sankranti Cycle

In the Hindu calendar, the movement of the sun holds immense spiritual significance, and this is celebrated through the various Sankrantis that mark its transition from one zodiac sign to another. Among these, Makar Sankranti stands out as a major festival, marking the sun’s entry into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayana (the sun’s northward journey). Let’s delve into the significance of Makar Sankranti and the broader context of the Sankranti cycle in Odisha.

Understanding the Sankranti Cycle

The text explains that the earth is divided into 360 degrees, which is in turn divided into 12 segments of 30 degrees each, which creates the 12 zodiac signs. The sun moves from one sign to another in a process called sankramana. This transit is what is marked with a Sankranti.

The Earth’s daily rotation and its revolution around the sun results in solstices and equinoxes. This has a direct impact on the days and nights of earth. The text points out that on March 21, June 22, September 23, and December 22, the length of day and night is equal around the world.

From March 21 to June 22, the Sun travels north from the equator to the Tropic of Cancer (23 degrees north). It then returns to the equator by September 23. Then, from September 23 to December 22, the Sun travels towards the south to the Tropic of Capricorn (23 degrees South) and then returns to the equator by March 21st. The Sankranti marks the transition of the sun from one sign to another.

Makar Sankranti: The Sun’s Entry into Capricorn

• Significance: Makar Sankranti is celebrated when the sun enters the sign of Capricorn from the sign of Sagittarius. It marks the sun’s movement from Dakshinayana (southward journey) to Uttarayana (northward journey).

• Devotional Practices: It is considered a very auspicious time to take a bath and perform acts of charity. Devotees often offer a sweet dish known as khechudi (a lentil and rice dish). In some places, people also donate khechudi for the peace of their ancestors.

• Other Traditions: People also offer sweets made of jaggery and sesame seeds. Flying kites is also a popular tradition on this day.

Myths and Beliefs

• Ganga’s Descent: It is believed that on this day, the river Ganga followed the steps of Bhagirathi and merged with the ocean, near the ashram of Kapil Muni.

• Yashoda’s Vrata: It’s also believed that Yashoda observed a vrata (fast) on this day to have Krishna as her son.

• Historical Context: It is said that one thousand years ago, Makar Sankranti was observed on December 31. Over the course of a millennium, the date has shifted ahead by about two weeks, and is now observed on January 14th. It is an estimated position based on the movement of the Sun. Based on this, it is believed that in 5000 years, it will be celebrated at the end of February.

The Twelve Sankrantis

The text mentions twelve Sankrantis, each marking the sun’s transit into a new zodiac sign, each marking the beginning of the new month in the traditional Odiya calendar.

• Mesha (Vaisakha) Sankranti: (April-May) Also known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti.

• Brusha (Jyestha) Sankranti: (May-June) Also known as Vishnupadi Sankranti.

• Mithuna (Ashadha) Sankranti: (June-July) Also known as Shadashiti Sankranti.

• Karkata (Shrabana) Sankranti: (July-August) Also known as Dakshinayana Sankranti.

• Simha (Bhadra) Sankranti: (August-September) Also known as Vishnupadi Sankranti.

• Kanya (Ashwina) Sankranti: (September-October) Also known as Shadashiti Sankranti.

• Tula (Kartika) Sankranti: (October-November) Also known as Jala Vishuba Sankranti.

• Bicha (Margashira) Sankranti: (November-December) Also known as Vishnupadi Sankranti.

• Dhanu (Pausha) Sankranti: (December-January) Also known as Shadashiti Sankranti.

• Makara (Magha) Sankranti: (January-February) Also known as Uttarayan Sankranti.

• Kumbha (Phalguna) Sankranti: (February-March) Also known as Vishnupadi Sankranti.

• Meena (Chaitra) Sankranti: (March-April) Also known as Shadashiti Sankranti.

The text also highlights that certain Sankrantis that fall on a Tuesday, are considered auspicious for worshiping Mangala Chandi, a manifestation of Durga. The text also mentions how they are divided into different types, based on the positions of the Sun.

Other Vratas (Fasts) related to Sankranti

The text mentions that, across the Sankrantis, different observances take place, including:

• Kartikeya Vrata: Observed by women on Margashira Sankranti for the benefit of their children.

• Jala Sankranti Vrata: Observed by donating water vessels to Brahmins starting from Vishuva Sankranti.

• Dana Sankranti Vrata: A tradition to donate specific items on every Sankranti.

• Dadhi Sankranti Vrata: A donation of curd from Uttarayan Sankranti throughout a year.

• Anna Sankranti Vrata: A tradition to donate food, starting with Maha Vishuba Sankranti for a year.

• Phala Sankranti Vrata: A tradition of donating fruit to Brahmins.

• Mangal Sankranti Vrata: When Sankranti occurs on a Tuesday, the Goddess Mangala Chandi is worshiped.

• Yamapushkarini Vrata: Women observe this fast over four years by worshiping Yama.

• Dharma Ghata Vrata: Where water filled pots are donated to Brahmins from Vaishaka to Jyestha Sankranti for 4 years.

These observances highlight the deep connections between the sun, agricultural practices, and spiritual devotion in Odia culture.

Bringing the Traditions Home

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Jai jagannath 😊🙏