Uttarayan

The word Uttarayan is made up of two Sanskrit words. One answer and one Ayan. Which means north and circulation. This process begins after the winter solstice in January and continues through the summer period in June. According to calculations, when Sun enters Capricorn from Gemini, this period is known as Uttarayan. And after that when the Sun enters Sagittarius from Cancer, it is called Dakshinayan.

Uttarayan will begin in 2021 on 14 January. On this day, the Sun enters Capricorn. Therefore, this day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated as Uttarayan. This festival is celebrated in the southern states of India as Pongal. This day is believed to be very fruitful. The day of Uttarayan is called the day of the Lord, so it is considered very auspicious to start new work, yagna, fast, marriage etc. In Gujarat, a festival of kite playing is celebrated on this day.

Legends behind Uttarayan

1. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna has said, Uttarayan is the most auspicious period of six months with maximum light. If anyone leaves his body during this period, he will get salvation and he is born again.

2. In the era of Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah was blessed with euthanasia. His soul also left his body on the day of Makar Sankranti.

3. On this auspicious day Goddess Ganga came to earth and blessed the lineage of Bhagiratha. That is why, bathing in the Ganges on Uttarayan has religious significance.

Astrological view of uttarayana

According to the Hindu calendar, the Sun transits from one zodiac sign to another twice a year. This change is known as Uttarayan or Dakshinayana. In Hinduism, the transit of the sun from south to north is considered very auspicious. When the sun moves from east to south, the rays are harmful during this period. But when the sun moves from east to north, the rays indicate an improvement in health and peace in life. When the period of Uttarayan is about to begin, the Sun moves from Gemini to Capricorn. It is believed to be the beginning of a new dawn of expectations. From this day, the days are longer and the nights are shorter.