Sankranti: Celebrating the Sun's Journey and the Power of Renewal

 

Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the start of the sun's journey into the Makara Rashi, or Capricorn constellation. It is celebrated on January 15th in the Gregorian calendar, and marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun's journey northward, known as Uttarayana. This festival is a time of renewal, a time to let go of the past and embrace the future.

One of the most powerful quotes that encapsulates the meaning of Sankranti is from the ancient Hindu text, the Bhagavad Gita. In chapter 2, verse 11, Lord Krishna says, "Be steadfast in yoga, O Arjuna. Perform your duty and abandon all attachment to success or failure. Such evenness of mind is called yoga." This quote reminds us that Sankranti is not just about celebrating the sun's journey, but also about finding balance and inner peace.

Sankranti is also a time to let go of the past and embrace the future. In Hindu mythology, Sankranti is associated with the god Surya, who represents the sun and light. Surya is often depicted with seven horses, representing the seven days of the week and the seven colors of the rainbow. The seven horses also symbolize the seven chakras, or energy centers in the human body. The festival is a reminder to let go of the past and embrace the future, to let go of the old and embrace the new.

Another powerful quote that captures the spirit of Sankranti is from the Upanishads, one of the oldest and most important texts in Hinduism. In the Taittiriya Upanishad, it is said, "Just as a person discards worn-out clothes and puts on new clothes, the soul discards worn-out bodies and wears new ones." This quote reminds us that Sankranti is a time for renewal, a time to let go of the old and embrace the new.

Sankranti is also a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. It is a time for exchanging sweets, flying kites, and taking part in community activities. It is a time for forgiveness and for starting new relationships.

In conclusion, Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the power of renewal, balance, and inner peace. It is a time to let go of the past and embrace the future, a time to find balance in our lives and in the world around us. It is a time to celebrate the sun's journey and the power of light and renewal.

References:

• Bhagavad Gita 2.11
• Taittiriya Upanishad