One day after Lohry, the Makara Sankranti Festival is celebrated. When the sun moves from one zodiac to another zodiac, it is known as Sankranti. During the solar year the Sun passes through twelve zodiacs. When the Sun enters into Capricorn from Sagittarius it is called “Makar Sankranti.” This festival celebrates the end of darkness and the advent of light. Symbolically, darkness and ignorance is replaced by light and knowledge. For this reason, it is considered to be a significant day to perform activities of japa-tapa, sadhana and charity.

Bathing in the Deva-nadi (river of Gods) Ganga is of special significance on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. On this day, devotees gather in large crowds to bathe on the different banks and confluences of Ganges as well as on Ganga-Sagar (the place where Ganges meets the ocean).

The Makar Sankranti of the Sun has always stood to welcome joy, prosperity and life-spirit. For spiritual aspirants and sadhakas, this is a golden occasion and they wait for the arrival of this festival all througout the year.

Submitted by Adhikari Bhoi