Makar Sankranti is an important festival in India that honours the Sun God and marks the end of winter. Makar Sankranti, also known as the harvest festival, commemorates the Sun’s transit into Makara Rashi (the Capricorn constellation or zodiac). It marks the beginning of longer days and the Sun’s movement northward, which is why this season is known as Uttarayan and is regarded exceedingly auspicious. Makar Sankranti is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, therefore it falls on about the same day every year.
The celebration holds both religious and seasonal importance. In ancient times, the Sun’s movement and the resulting longer days were used to mark the changing of seasons, from a harsher to a gentler climate.
