The Festival of Celestial Transition

This section introduces the astronomical foundation of Makar Sankranti. It explains how the festival marks a pivotal moment in the solar calendar—the Sun's transition into Capricorn. This celestial event, known as *Uttarayana*, signifies the shift from darkness to light and serves as the cosmic backdrop for the rich tapestry of myths and cultural celebrations you can explore in the following sections.

Makar Sankranti is unique among Hindu festivals as it follows the solar cycle, occurring when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (*Makara*). This marks the start of *Uttarayana*, a six-month period considered highly auspicious. It symbolizes a cosmic journey from darkness to light, winter to spring, and is believed to be the "day of the gods," when the gates to the celestial realm are open.

The Myths: Legends of Liberation & Reconciliation

Here, you can interactively explore the foundational stories that give Makar Sankranti its profound spiritual meaning. Each card represents a key narrative from Hindu epics and Puranas. Click on a title to reveal the story and understand its connection to the festival's themes of duty, salvation, and harmony.

Select a story above to learn more.

The Culture: A Pan-Indian Celebration

Discover how the single celestial event of Makar Sankranti blossoms into a vibrant spectrum of regional festivals across India. This section showcases the cultural diversity of the celebration. Click on a region from the list to explore its unique festival name, local legends, and distinct rituals, from the bonfires of Lohri in Punjab to the cattle worship of Pongal in Tamil Nadu.

Select a region to see its traditions.

Core Themes Across Legends

This visualization synthesizes the key philosophical concepts woven throughout the diverse stories of Makar Sankranti. The chart provides a comparative look at the prominence of each theme—from spiritual liberation to familial harmony. Interact with the chart to see how these universal ideas form the festival's spiritual backbone, connecting the cosmos, myths, and cultural practices into a cohesive whole.