MAKAR SANKRANTI.. it’s time for us to make the shift too!

Today is the 14^th of January and it means different things to different people.. for some it is a day of celebration to eat “til laddoos”.. to fly and “cut” kites in friendly rivalry in keeping with tradition.. To others it is a time of gratitude to the Almighty and the farmers for abundant harvests.. and to still others.. the start of an auspicious time to begin planning weddings.. new businesses and endeavours!

People fly kites on Makar Sankranti to symbolize the rising sun and the beginning of longer days marking the end of the winter solstice. This festival is dedicated to the sun god Surya – flying a kite is seen as a way to “connect” with the heavens and express gratitude to the deity while also enjoying the sunlight which is considered beneficial after the winter months.

Makar Sankranti signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.. and is one of the few Indian festivals based on the solar calendar making it a fixed date on the Gregorian calendar. Agriculturally, it is a time to celebrate the renewal of nature. Astronomically it heralds the movement of the Sun northwards from the south to Capricorn and this movement releases positive energy that encourages people to make a good beginning.

Just as the Sun shifts, perhaps it is time for us to make a “shift” too.. We should make this “shift” from the chill of winter with relationships and friendships that are “frozen” and lacking warmth and caring! Make a conscious decision and effort to plant seeds of caring understanding acceptance and sharing so that you get to reap bountiful “harvests” of genuine respect warmth sharing and love with the people you want to keep in your life!

Let’s choose to keep moving “northwards” or upwards like the Sun leaving poor quality cold greedy selfish and self-serving people below us and “rise up” to become and be our best selves! Let’s choose to connect with happy vibes and positive energies only from now on! Let’s try to stay away from arguments conflict and negativity by keeping our words sweet and pleasant! Let's choose to celebrate this festival and all it represents throughout the year!

Celebrate today for so many joyful reasons and keep your mood happy positive and upbeat! Spread the joy and the sweetness by distributing and sharing “til laddoos” and as the Maharashtrians say “Til gul ghya ani gode gode bola”.. eat the sweet and speak sweet words!

Happy Makar Sankranti and wishing you sunshine positivity sweetness and abundance today and always!

Thank you as always for reading and please share your name at the end of the comment (should you choose to write one)!!