“Til-gul ghyaa, aani goad-goad bolaa”
Accept this til-gul (sweet) and utter sweet words
Sweetening the Life on Makar Sankranti
Today on this day of Makar Sankranti, let us exchange Til (Sesame seeds) and Gul (Jaggery) and release the ill feelings of the past and go towards a sweeter journey.
Makar Sankranti starts an auspicious phase in the Year. It is said to be the ‘holy phase of transition’. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu Calendar begins around mid-December. From this day any auspicious and sacred ritual can be started.
Scientific Background of Makar Sankranti
Scientifically, this day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. In other words, Sankranti marks the termination of winter season and beginning of a new harvest or spring season. The Sun ends its southward journey or Dakshinayana at the Tropic of Capricorn, and starts moving northward or Uttarayana towards the Tropic of Cancer on this day in mid-January. The Sun’s movement changes and the days from this day onwards become lengthier and warmer and so the Sun God is worshiped on this day as a great benefactor.
Legends of Makar Sankranti:
It holds a special significance because on this day, Goddess Durga in the form of Mahishasurmardini first set foot on earth, in the Kataraaj Ashram of Rishi Kardam and Devahuti with the purpose of destroying the demon Mahishasur. Mahishasur symbolises the vices of discontentment, ungratefulness and darkness of ignorance within. So, praying to Durga makes one progress in spiritual journey and brings in the Light from the Sun to illuminate the Citta. The legend states that a successful businessman was curious as to why his supply of sesame seed seemed to be never ending. When he inspected the bag he found an idol of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver. According to Mahabharata, Bhishma, who had the power to control his own death, chose to die on the day of Makar Sankranti.
Hence, Makar Sankranti stands as an epitome of new beginning, divine radiance and all-auspiciousness. Starting a new venture on this day is highly auspicious. It is the day when all of the negative elements in the cosmos are overpowered by the Divine elements (satvik tattvas) therefore one can take advantage of this great festival and invite positivity into their personal as well as professional life.
