The term Uttarayan is made from two Sanskrit words? Uttara, Ayan Which means north and movement respectively? So, the word Uttarayan means the movement of earth towards earth on the celestial sphere. This process starts the day after winter solstice in January and is constant till the period of summer in June. As per the calculations, when Sun enters Capricorn sign from Gemini, this transit is known as Uttarayan. And after this when Sun shift from Cancer to Sagittarius, this is termed as Dakshinayan.

The beginning of Uttarayan is on 14 January. On this day, Sun enters the Capricorn sign. That is why this day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated as Uttarayan. This festival is celebrated as Pongal in the southern states of India. It’s a belief that this day is very gainful. The day of Uttarayan is said to be the day of God, so begin for new work, yajna, vow, marriages etc. is said to be very lucky. In Gujarat, Kite playing festival is very renowned on this day.

Legends behind Uttarayan

1. In Bhagwad Geeta, Lord Krishna has said, Uttarayan is the very lucky period of six months in which it has maximum light. If somebody leaves his body in this period then he will attain Moksha and will be live like new born baby.
2. During the era of Mahabharata, Bhishm Pitamah was blessed with euthanasia. His soul also left his body on the day of Makar Sankranti.
3. On this favorable day only, Goddess Ganga came on Earth and blessed the genealogy of Bhagirath. That’s why; bathing in Ganga on Uttarayan has a religious significance.

Astrological viewpoint of Uttarayan

Pursuance to Hindu calendar, sun transits from one zodiac sign to another twice in a year. This change is known as Uttarayan or Dakshinayan. In Hinduism, the change direction of Sun from south to north is meant to be very special. When the Sun transits from East to South, the rays during this time is meant to be harmful. But when the Sun rotate from East to North, the rays signify the reform in health and peace in life. When the period of Uttarayan is about to begin, the Sun transit from Gemini to Capricorn. It is considered that it is the starting of new morning of hope. From this day, the days are like to be longer than and nights become shorter.