Thread by @AdvisorLaborLaw

1/9 Are #Uttarayan and #MakarSankranti the same?

#lla

2/9 We see both of these events as synonymous but do you know that Uttarayan and #MakarSankranti are two different events?

First, let's understand their meanings.

3/9 Makar Sankranti means the transition of the Sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius (dhanu) to Capricorn (makara).

Whereas, Uttarayan indicates the northward movement of the Sun on the celestial sphere.

4/9 As per the Gregorian calendar, Makar Sankranti occurs on 14-15 January; Uttarayana starts on 21-22 December.

And there is a logic behind it.

5/9 Makar Sankranti is celebrated when the Sun's position is at 270° from a fixed starting point which is opposite to a star named Spica in Virgo Constellation. So, this is a measure based on positions of the zodiac.

6/9 Whereas, Uttarayan begins when the Sun's position is at 270° measured from the Vernal equinox. In other words, this is when the earth is at half way on its orbit around the Sun.

While both concern a measure of 270°, their measuring parameters are different.

7/9 The zodiac shifts by about 1° in 72 years. As a result, Makar Sankranti is continuously but very slowly moving away from Uttarayan.

8/9 Roughly, this is the postponement of 1 day after every 72 years.

Following this calculation backwards, Uttarayana and Makar Sankranti may have coincided last in 291 AD.

9/9 Later, with the festival getting more importance, people started considering both of these events synonymous and they still do!

It's all so confusing! Isn't it?

Well, we will leave you with only Kites then 😎🪁 

Have a happy Kite flying day 😉