What is Uttarayana?

Uttarayana marks the daytime of the Devas. The 6 months of Uttarayana, beginning on Makara Sankranthi on January 14th, are considered fortunate since we go towards the Sun. During Uttarayana, harvest and spring celebrations, marriages, and other auspicious occasions are commemorated.

This period begins with short daytimes, which gradually lengthens as the days become longer and the amount of light increases over the next six months. As our energy levels improve, things become easier to accomplish. We acquire spiritual blessings and reap the benefits of our earlier sadhana (spiritual efforts).

Uttarayana is also called the Kaivalya Pada, the period of spirituality, of receptivity, grace and enlightenment, especially, the time between winter solstice and spring equinox.

Significance of Uttarayana

Uttarayan is a season for spiritual awakening. Makar Sankranti, which is made up of the terms Makar and Sankranti, is observed on January 14th. Makar means Capricorn, and Sankranti means transition, hence Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the sun’s journey through Capricorn (zodiac sign). According to Hinduism, it is a very auspicious and important occasion.

According to the puranas, Bhishma waited for many weeks on his deathbed of arrows. Even though he was seriously hurt, he clung to live until Uttarayan arrived because he wanted to take advantage of nature’s change to facilitate his own. Gangaji followed Bhagirath and met Kapil Muni in the ocean on this day. Maharaja Bhagirathi also offered this day to his forefathers just on this day. On Makar Sankranti, beautiful fairs are held at Gangasagar in remembrance of that.

There is also a belief that bathing in the holy water of the ‘Triveni Sangam,’ which is the spot where three sacred rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati, meet at Prayagraj, is beneficial. The Hindu faith places a lot of emphasis on the “Kumbh Mela“ on Makar Sankranti. Taking a bath in the holy river during that time takes away all your sins with the river’s flow.

Uttarayana is also known as Devayana, because it is the daytime for Gods, and certain Hindu communities only execute auspicious events and rituals during this time.

It is thought that completing numerous rituals with ellu or Sesame (Til) throughout the day will be extremely beneficial.Feeding and helping the poor on the day is considered highly meritorious.

Uttarayana Months

• Paush end
• Magh
• Phalgun
• Chaitra
• Vaishakh
• Jyeshta
• Ashada
• beginning of Shravan