The saying “Go fly a kite!” takes on a literal meaning every January 14 in India. This date marks the holiday of Makar Sankranti, as it is called in the state of Maharashtra. Makar means Capricorn. The reason for the celebration is the entry of the Sun into the sign of Capricorn in Vedic Astrology. The sign of Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. Normally, we pay more attention to the placement of the Moon rather than the Sun, but this day is a marked exception. On January 14, the Sun begins its Northernly movement in the heavens. This commences the beginning of longer and warmer days.
People celebrate this holiday in Maharashtra by climbing on top of tall building and flying colorful kites. They engage in the friendly competition of trying to “cut” another person’s kite from the air. People give their friends and relatives ladus (sweets) made from white sesame seeds and jaggery. Residents either receive or do self-massages with sesame oil (the traditional oil used in Ayurvedic medicine) are also given. It is believed that sesame originates from Lord Vishnu’s body (the preserver of the universe) and that engaging in specific rituals with sesame and sesame oil will rid the body of impurities.
In the state of Gujarat, people celebrate the holiday that they call Uttarayana by having the elders in the family system give gifts to the younger members. Scholarships are also offered to students on this auspicious day. Cows, which are the sacred animal in India due to their quality of providing nurture for others, are specially fed.
In South India, this day is known as Pongal, which receives its appellation for the sweet rice milk that is served on this day. This marks the new year for the residents of the state of Tamil Nadu. Freshly harvested corn is also eaten for the first time.
In the state of Punjab, the residents celebrate on the night of the 13th with a large bonfire and offer sweets into the fire. The night of the 13th is known as Lohari. Then, on the 14th, which the Punjabis call Maghi, they dance traditional dances and partake in a feast.
In Uttara Pradesh, the day is called Khichadi, which is the traditional food made from basmati rice and moong dahl. Additionally, in Madhya Pradesh, the citizens celebrate the day as Sukarat.
Whatever region of India, people reside in, they celebrate with sweets, kites, and with friends and family. Starting the day with the dip in the holy Ganges (pronounced as Gung-ahh) River is done wherever possible to commence the auspicious day. Surya, the Sun God, is also worshiped throughout the country. Fire ceremonies are also a common occurrence. People also give donations of sesame seeds, wheat, jaggery, corn, clothing, and money to the poor.
The origin of this holiday dates back to the epic the Mahabharata, in which the hero Bhishma lay wounded on the battlefield, with arrows piercing his body. However, he persevered until the Sun began its Northern movement and then chose to die.
The Sun is responsible for illumining everything around us and for shedding light on us, both literally and figuratively. Surya, the Sun God, is worshiped by many astrologers to help them illumine the lives of others.
With this year’s entry of the Sun into Capricorn, the Sun will be joining an exalted Mars. Mars is exalted, or at its highest point in delivering favorable results, in Capricorn. Both the Sun and Mars are Pitta planets. The Sun rules the bones and Mars rules the blood. So, it is an auspicious day to commence activities, especially health promoting ones such as yoga. You may wish to visit the website: http://yogastrology.com/ for guidance on yoga asanas specific to the sign of Capricorn. You can download a workbook as well as an audio talk in the “Store” link in the top right hand corner.