Makara Sankranti – Significance, Spirituality & Sacred Traditions

Makara Sankranti is one of the most auspicious and spiritually significant festivals in Sanatana Dharma. It marks the sacred transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn) and the beginning of Uttarayana, the divine northward journey of the Sun. This celestial movement symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and positivity over negativity. Unlike most Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti is determined by the solar movement and is dedicated to Surya Bhagavan, the source of life, energy, and consciousness.

The Vedas glorify the Sun as the very soul of the universe:
सूर्य आत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च।
(Rigveda)