# Story Behind Makar Sankranti: The word Makar Sankranti derives from two words Makar and Sankranti. Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti means transition, which makes Makar Sankranti means the transition of the sun in the Capricorn (Zodiac sign). In addition, this occasion is a very sacred and auspicious occasion according to Hinduism and they celebrate it as a festival. India is blessed with innumerable festivals with a particular significance and great meaning in them. As it’s the start of year, it begins with Makar Sankranti, the biggest festival; also called as the festival of gratitude, the festival of kites, the festival of harvesting, the herald of spring (seasonal), festival of Sun God(religious). It is mostly considered as commencement of movement of Sun transits from one zodiac sign (Sagittarius) to the other (Capricorn) and also termed as start date of Uttrayan period as the sun god begins his journey northwards which lasts for about 6 months and after this, he starts his journey southwards for 6 months. The transition or moment of lord Surya is termed as Sankranti. It is celebrated all over India with various names and customs. Sankranti is not just a festival but much more. Thus, let's understand the real significance and spirit of this festival now. # Significance of Makar Sankranti: Sun enters into Capricorn zodiac sign on this day, which marks a great and major changes in position and fate of all other zodiac signs till next Sankranti. Sankranti is said to have great importance for sages and yogis as it is an auspicious day for beginnings in their spiritual journey and most of them consider this as the best day to forget the past and go ahead in life. This day is a special festival for farmers as they harvest the first batch of food grains and ask God for blessings to give good health and wealth throughout the year. They cook this first harvest as a sweet using Jagger and sesame and milk. The special celebration and one common thing about this festival across the country is Kite flying. On this day, eyes goes on feast to enjoy the kite flying skills. Kites flying is fun act but has a great hidden meaning in it which says- as kites fly high in the sky, they represent the human beings by saying thank you to all the gods for their blessings. # Importance of Makar Sankranti The shift of sun into Capricorn is of divine importance and we Indian’s believe that taking a dip in the holy river Ganga washes away all your sins and make you soul pure and blessed. In addition, it signifies the increase of spiritual light and reduction of materialized darkness. From the scientific point of view, from Makar Sankranti, the days become longer and the nights become shorter. Furthermore, it is also a belief that taking a dip in the holy ‘Triveni Sangam’ (The point where Three holy Rivers met namely Ganga, Yamuna, and the Brahmaputra) at Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti during the time of ‘Kumbh Mela’ has great importance in the religion. At this time if you take a holy dip in the river then all your sins and obstacle in life will wash away with the flow of the river.
