Lohri and Makar Sankranti

 Wishing you all Subha Makar Sankranti and Lohri. 

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path which is the first change in the zodiac after the winter solstice. 

The festival is celebratrd throughout the Indian subcontinent to observe the day which marks the shift of the sun into ever lengthening days. 

The festival is a seasonal observance as well as religious celebration. 

The festival is also dedicated to the sun God and marks the auspicious period for 

the Hindus known as "UTTAARAYAN".

The importance of Uttaarayan is exhibited in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, where Bhisma Pitamaha waited for the sun to be in Uttaarayan to die willingly. 

Makar Sankranti is believed to be a time for peace and prosperity. The day is regarded as important for spiritual practises and accordingly people take a holy dip in rivers like Ganga Yamuna Godavari Krishna and Cauvery. The bathing is believed to wash away sins.

Lohri is a popular punjabi festival. It is a popular belief that the festival commemorates the passing of the winter solstice. Lohri represents the longest night before winter solstice as Lohri was originally celebratrd on the night before winter solstice followed by the shortest day of the year which is observed on Makar Sankranti. About sixteen centuries ago these festivals were actually observed  at the point of winter solstice which now generally occurs around 21,22 or 23 December. 

There are many origins of Lohri all forming part of folklore. 

According to folklore, in ancient times Lohri was celebrated on the eve of winter solstice day. It is for the reason that the people believe that day light is meant to increase from the day after Lohri when the sun starts it's north ward journey. 

However instead of celebrating Lohri on the eve of when winter solstice actually occurs, Punjabis celebrate it on the last day of the month during which winter solstice takes place. 

This is due to linking Lohri to the Bikrami calendar and the twinning of the festival with Makar Sankranti,which is celebratrd in the Punjab region as Maghi Sangrand. Therefore Lohri commemorates the passing of winter solstice. 

Lohri is traditionally associated with the harvest to of rabi crops. The traditional time to harvest sugarcane is January and therefore Lohri is seen by some to be a harvest festival. 

Punjabi farmers also regard Lohri as the financial new year. New agricultural tenancies commence on Lohri and rents are collected on this day.