Sankranthi is the instant of sun (our source of light, heat and other forms of energy) entering into a new zodiacal constellation (raashi). There are 12 such raashis, Aries through Pisces (Mesha through Meena). Thus, Makara Sankranthi is the instant when sun enters Makara raashi (Capricorn). Similarly, there are 11 other Sankranthi. What's special about Makara Sankranthi?

We are told that Makara Sankranthi is the harbinger of brighter and warmer days, after this event the duration of daytime will go on increasing assuring us better times etc. Further, we believe that Makara Sankranthi is synonymous with Uttarayanaarambha (Uttarayanaarambha, beginning of sun's northward glide on the zodiac). The date is roughly January 14 every year. Now, any conclusion drawn by observing celestial events must be verifiable by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

If we do this simple verification today, our conclusion will be negative! Uttarayanaarambha does not coincide with Makara Sankranthi! The former occurred on December 21. There is thus nothing special about Makara Sankranthi. It is just one among the overall 12 Sankranthis in a year. Then why do our Government, our panchaangas and religious heads attach so much extra - importance to Makara Sankranthi alone?

To find a rational answer to this pertinent question, we have to study the history of astronomy in general and of time measurement in particular. Yes, centuries ago the two events — Makara Sankranthi and Uttarayanaarambha — had coincided, both falling roughly on January 14.

To understand this point, let us imagine that each of the 12 raashis is a fixed celestial throne, sun is the king and that he ascends them on the respective Sankranthi. Centuries ago when the sun ascended the Makara throne Uttarayanaarambha also had occurred. That was on January 14. Because of the king, both the throne and date got special importance in the eyes of the then observers.

Nothing is permanent in the universe. Today this union is broken: the king has abandoned (abdicated?) the throne. Hence, both Makara Sankranthi and January 14 have lost their bloated importance. In modern times, Uttarayanaarambha occurs roughly on December 21 every year. That is, the king has shifted his position from January 14 to Dec. 21. The only course available to us is that we celebrate Uttarayanaarambha on December 21 and divest Makara Sankranthi of its extra importance.

To the relevant question as to why the sun (or king) is so “inconsistent” over a long period you can find the answer in astronomy: it is due to a phenomenon called the precession of equinoxes. Refer to it in any popular astronomy book keeping your focus on celestial events. It is good for us that our beliefs are based on faith in nature rather than on vague and unverifiable traditional practices.

G. T. Narayana Rao
Courtesy: Star of Mysore