The festival of Makar Sankranti is an important
festival as it marks the beginning of the season of change. It is
considered as a very auspicious festival and it is celebrated not only
in Uttarakhand, but throughout the country.
Makar Sankranti is also known as the season of change because during
this time, the sun moves to the northern hemisphere. It enters the Makar
Rashi (Zodiac Sign). It symbolizes that the day of the Gods has started.
It is believed to be the ideal time to do something as all conditions
are believed to be favorable during the Makar Sankranti festival.
According to mythology, on this day Lord Vishnu brought an end to evil
by killing the demons. Then, sun is believed to have visited the house
of Lord Vishnu, Shani, the husband of Makar Rashi, on this day. The most
important part of this festival is that during this time, people take a
holy dip in the holy Ganges.
There is a common belief among people that if you do not take bath in
the holy Ganges on this day, then you will be born a donkey in your next
life. Khichadi, a special food item is distributed on this day, to the
poor. This dish is made out of rice and pulses. Makar Sankranti is
celebrated in the middle of the January month.
