Makar Sankranti is one of the most prominent festivals of India, celebrated every year in January. It is celebrated enthusiastically across the country on the occasion of Sun entering Capricorn. You must have noticed that Makar Sankranti occurs almost every year. 14 January While the dates of other Indian festivals vary every year. This festival in 2024 15 January was celebrated, but in 2025 it will again 14 January Will be celebrated. Let us understand why the date of Makar Sankranti remains almost constant every year and the reason behind it.
Importance and scientific basis of Makar Sankranti
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is related to the entry of the Sun into Capricorn. When the Sun enters Capricorn from Sagittarius, this astronomical event is called Makar Sankranti. On this day the Sun turns Uttarayan (towards the north), due to which the days become longer and the nights become shorter. It is also considered to symbolize the change in weather and the beginning of the harvest season.
meaning of solstice
Sankranti means “transition”. It marks the time when the Sun enters from one zodiac sign to another.
- The Sun enters from one zodiac sign to another every month.
- During Makar Sankranti the Sun enters Capricorn, one of the 12 zodiac signs of the year.
Why does Makar Sankranti fall on 14 January?
Connection to solar calendar
Makar Sankranti is related to the solar calendar. This astronomical phenomenon is based on the Earth’s revolution around the Sun, which is approximately 365 days and 6 hours Is completed in. Due to this extra 6 hours, 1 day is added every four years, which is called leap year.
Other Indian festivals like Holi, Diwali etc. are celebrated according to the lunar calendar, causing their dates to change every year. But Makar Sankranti is linked to the Sun calendar, so it occurs almost every year. 14 January Only Ko has to suffer.
Can the date of Makar Sankranti change?
Although the date of Makar Sankranti mostly remains on January 14, it changes over a longer period of time.
- Makar Sankranti between 1900 and 1965 13 January Was celebrated.
- After 2019, Makar Sankranti 15 January Has also started suffering from it.
- This festival will change due to changes in the Earth’s orbit and Sun’s location in the future. 15 January Will be celebrated more often.
Why do the dates of Makar Sankranti change?
1. Effect of Earth’s orbit
The Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to revolve around the Sun. This extra 0.25 days impacts calendar dates in the long run. This is the reason why the dates of Makar Sankranti are gradually changing.
2. Changes in astronomical calculations
According to astronomical calculations, the Sun enters Capricorn approximately every 72 years. 1 day delay Happens from. Therefore Makar Sankranti in future 15 January Will be celebrated more often.
Changes in the dates of Makar Sankranti in history
- 12th and 13th January: Before 1900, Makar Sankranti sometimes fell on 12 or 13 January.
- 13 January: Between 1900 and 1965, Makar Sankranti was mostly celebrated on 13 January.
- 14 January: Since 1966, it started falling mostly on 14 January.
- 15 January: Since 2019, it has started falling sometimes on January 15 also.
Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan
on Makar Sankranti Uttarayan Is considered to be the beginning of. Uttarayan means inclination of the Sun towards the northern hemisphere. During this:
- Days become longer and nights become shorter.
- The weather changes and harvest time begins.
- It is celebrated with different names in different parts of India, like Lohri, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc.
Reason for stability of Makar Sankranti
- Based on Surya Calendar:
The solar calendar remains stable as compared to the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar has fewer days each year, causing the dates of festivals to change.
- Astronomical phenomenon:
Makar Sankranti is based on an astronomical event. Unless there is a major change in Earth’s orbit, this date remains stable.
