The Astronomy behind Makara Sankranti

Governed by the astronomical observations, ‘Makara Sankramana’ or ‘Makara Sankranti’ is an important festival in India and is also an Astronomy Event.

It is celebrated on the day when the Sun crosses over from the constellation of Sagittarius to the constellation of Capricornus, as seen from the Earth. This festive day is dedicated to the Sun, and its transition between the constellations that marks the end of the long winter months and the onset of the spring season.

The ‘Maha Kumbh Mela’ is celebrated on this day, once in every 12 years, as Jupiter completes one revolution around the Sun (T=11.8yrs).

Solstice and Sankranti

Makara Sankramana is referred to as Uttaraayana because the Sun’s transition into Capricornus occurred on Winter Solstice, several centuries ago.The 23.40 latitude is known as the Tropic of Capricorn for this reason, wherein, the Sun reaches zenith at mid-day on Winter Solstice.

Due to the Precession of the Earth’s Equinoxes, the Sun’s transition into Capricornus has moved away from the Winter Solstice. Currently, they occur 24 days apart. This forward movement advances by one day, for every 72 years.

Swami Vivekananda and Precession

Swami Vivekananda was born on Makara Sankranti in the year 1863, which was on the 12th of January.

Festival of Many Names

Makara Sankramana is known by several names across various regions of the country. It is celebrated as an auspicious day that marks the beginning of the farming season. This festival is known as: Suggi Habba, Ghughuti, Makara Chaula, Makaaravilakku, Til Sankranti, Haldi Kumkum, Hangrai, Thai Pongal, Yzhavar Thirunal, Maghi, Magh Bihu, Bhogali Bihu, Shishur Saenkraat, Khichdi, Poush Sangkranti, Tila Sakrait, Tirmoori.