The entry of the Sun into Uttarayan holds special significance in Hinduism. The word ‘uttar’ means ‘north’. On January 14, the Sun moves from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius to Capricorn, marking the beginning of Uttarayan. However, the Sun's northward movement actually begins earlier, around December 21. The opposite phase, when the Sun travels southward, starts on June 21 or 22, as it moves from Cancer to Sagittarius. This southward movement is called Dakshinayan.
Both Uttarayan and Dakshinayan correspond to the winter and summer solstices, respectively.
Uttarayan is characterised by longer days and shorter nights, while Dakshinayan brings shorter days and longer nights.
The start of Uttarayan is celebrated as Makar Sankranti in north India. Makar refers to Capricorn, the zodiac sign the Sun enters during this time. Sankranti means transition.
During Uttarayan, the Sun’s rays are believed to be infused with great positivity, and it is considered an auspicious period to undertake important or spiritual tasks, and for new beginnings.
Uttarayan encompasses the seasons of winter, spring, and summer.
While in Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding states, Makar Sankranti is a day of giving gifts of sesame seeds, jaggery, rice. It is also marked by the eating of khichdi (rice cooked in lentils).
In Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri and includes dancing around bonfires. It also marks the start of the harvest season.
In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal, wherein the Sun God and farm animals are worshipped.
Such is the significance of Uttarayan that if a sage, seer or holyman dies during this time, he is freed from the cycle of birth and death. This is mentioned in the Bhagvad Gita by Lord Krishna. Thus, Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat chose to give up his life during Uttarayan and till then he lay on a bed of arrows.
Another mythological significance is that this is the day that the Sun visits the abode of Lord Shiva. It is also believed to be the day that Lord Vishnu vanquished the demon Makarasura, bringing peace to the world.
