THE DIVINE NATURAL SHIFT: UTTARAYAN............

MAKAR SANKRANTI as it is known in other parts of India, normally coincides with the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey (called Uttarayan) when it enters the sign of Makar and Capricorn to Zodiac

Since the Gregorian Calendar which we follow is based on solar movement Sankranti falls on 14th Jan and some times on 15th Jan to accommodate the fraction of (quarter) a day (as in a leap year) over 365 days.

Pongal / Makara Sankranti falling on the same date however needs an explanation and correction. Yes the date will be the same for many many years. It was perhaps 13th many years earlier. Some 60 years from now it could be 15/16th.and will continue changing in approx 70 years. This is because of what is known as precession of the equinoxes due to which we will advance every year by approx 50.3 secs. This will naturally not show up in successive years but this 50.3 secs accumulates and eventually total a day in say 70 years. In fact we would be doing a full circle in about 26,500 years.

Nature is not separated from the human existence. Celebratory events developed by our realized ancestors (rishis) are in synch with the cycle of nature and aimed at developing and nurturing relationships with family, friends and neighbours. To bring the science and spirituality to life, the philosophical ideas (Vedas) were transformed into beautiful allegorical stories (puranas). From these allegories developed the festivals and traditions to bring family and community together. Underlying it all is the human instinct of joy and happiness and remembrance of the principle of the victory of good over evil in the constant struggle between them.

Hindus are inheritors of a culture which integrated spirituality and science with great pageantry.

To Hindus or rather every Living Being, the SUN stands for LIFE, KNOWLEDGE, SPIRITUAL LIGHT  & WISDOM. The SUN is the greatest KARMA YOGI, who only gives ALL GOOD without expectation. A big learning ---- STOP EXPECTING & LIFE BECOMES MUCH EASIER & HAPPY.............simple to say but very difficult to incorporate....................

Makara Sakranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to joyously let the light within us shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, as the sun does from this day.

On Makar Sankranti from sunrise to sunset, the environment is full of Chaitanya(Divine Consciousness). Thus, a seeker doing sadhana (spiritual practice) can derive the maximum benefit of the increased Chaitanya. Due to the Chaitanya, Tejtattva(Absolute Fire Principle) also increases in seekers. The day of Makar Sankranti is very conducive for sadhana.

According to Ayurveda, eating sesame seeds in winter is beneficial for our health. Spiritually, sesame seeds and sesame oil have the ability to absorb and emit Sattva frequencies more than any other oil. Hence, during Makar Sankranti, sesame seeds are favourable for good sadhana to happen. By consuming sesame seed sweets, inner purification happens which helps improve one’s sadhana. By distributing these sweets to each other, there is an exchange of sāttviktā, which helps increase everyone’s sattvikta.

Kites, though a part of Chinese culture incorporated in india, are flown in many parts of the subcontinent. Kite flying while lot of fun to young at heart, conveys a spiritually deeper message that God is the Sutradhara -- holding the string of man. Tensions of push and pull (of life) allow the kite to fly higher. If He lets it loose, the kite cannot fly.

So let us all  learn to feel our oneness with all creation,  learn to be unselfish and to tread the path of love, purity and forgiveness,  learn that our real wealth is the goodwill and friendship of those around us, the land on which our food grows, and the animals that help to make our work lighter.

Let us  witness the COSMIC , ASTRONOMICAL HARMONY and prayerfully HONOUR  this SCIENTIFIC  TRUTH  & SPIRITUALITY  & NATURE'S own ways to celebrate this BEAUTIFUL EXPRESSION ................. HAPPY  UTTARAYAN........................