Sankranthi: The Festival of Prosperity

Makar Sankranti is a vibrant and significant Hindu festival celebrated across India with various names, traditions and a lot of energy.

This festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, symbolizing the end of winter and the onset of longer days. Sankranthi typically falls on the 14th or 15th of January each year, making it a festival deeply rooted in agrarian traditions and customs. The celebration of Sankranthi happens across various territories under different names, customs and traditions.

The roots of Sankranthi can be traced back to ancient times, and its celebration is closely linked to agricultural practices. This festival holds immense cultural and historical significance, symbolizing the gratitude of farmers towards the sun god for a bountiful harvest. Sankranthi, generally marks the auspicious occasion for farmers, when they get the harvest of their cultivation. Hence, it is celebrated with such fervour and joy. In Hindu mythology, Sankranthi is associated with the transition of the sun god, Surya, from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. The change in the sun's position is believed to bring prosperity and abundance to the land.

The festival also has a deep connection with the epic Mahabharata, where Bhishma Pitamah, a revered character, chose to leave his mortal coil on the auspicious day of Sankranthi. This event adds a layer of spiritual significance to the festival, making it a time for introspection and homage to ancestors.