Good Morning Gods!

It takes one year for sun to travel through 12 zodiac signs. In the month of January sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn (makar). This entry of sun in makar raashi is known as “Makar Sakranti”. This marks the beginning of northward journey of sun. From this day till next 6 months, when sun covers the 6 zodiac signs from Capricorn to Gemini, this period is known as “Uttarayan” which is considered as auspicious as the upcoming 6 months are considered as “Day” of gods where as period from suns entry to cancer sign till Capricorn sign is considered as “Night” for gods. Even Bhisham Pitamah , who had a boon , waited for sun to enter Capricorn before he leave for heaven. As per legend , the sun who is the father of Saturn had promised him to visit his house(Capricorn sign) once in a year despite having enemity between them. As per another belief Sage Bhagirath who brought river Ganga to earth for salvation of his ancestors manage to liberate them from the curse of Sage Kapil. It is a day of worship of sun god. Tarpan done on this day brings all the blessings from the ancestors. Charity done on this day has its own importance. This is the only hindu festival which is based upon the solar movement where as other festivals are based upon moon. That is why this festival coincides with English calendar.

Til- an easy remedy

As per classics “sesame” popularly known as “Til” in northern region of India was produced from the body of sage Kashyap. It is believe that if a person offer it to God,Pittras or Brahmin he would be free from the ill effect of malefic planets. Offerings can be made in the form of Snaan,Daan,Tarpan,Havan or Food. As per mythology Saturn belongs to Kashyap Gotram.So sesame is considered as the best remedy for pacification of Shani. One should light a lamp of sesame oil in the evening. This process is called “Deep daan”. During Makar sakranti in the month of January when the sun enters the Capricorn(the zodiac sign of Saturn who is a son of Sun god), it is very auspicious to offer sesame to fire god at night. People distributes jaggery(Gud) with sesame(til) on this day. It is a symbolic representation of Sun and Saturn respectively.