Makar Sankranti in Matsya Purana and Skanda Purana

In the Matsya Purana, an explanation has been given about the fasting method and in the Skanda Purana, donations made on the solstice. It is important to know here why it is called Makar Sankranti? Makar Sankranti is closely related to the Sun's zodiac sign. On a scientific level, this festival is a great astronomical event and on a spiritual level, Makar Sankranti marks a very significant change due to the entry of Suryadev into Uttarayan. Surya lives in 6 months Dakshinayan and 6 months in Uttarayan.

Makar Sankranti falls on 14 January every year on a traditional basis. According to the months of the calendar, this date falls on the bright half of Pausha or Magha month. On January 14, the Sun enters the Capricorn sign by completing the Sagittarius journey every year. According to astrology, Makararishi is the tenth sign in twelve zodiac signs. Sankranti means the time of change. Sankranti is called the period or the date on which the Sun completes one zodiac and enters another. It is considered to be as a transition period.

This Sankranti period is considered to be very fruitful for spiritual achievements and worship of God. Therefore, the zodiac sign which Sun enters is considered to be the solstice of that zodiac. For example, if the Sun enters Aries then it is called Aries Sankranti, when Sagittarius enters Dhanu, it is called Dhanu Sankranti and on January 14, when Sun enters Capricorn it is identified as Makar Sankranti.