649. Uttarayana and Makara Sankranti are not the Same?

http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/mysticism/uttarayana-and-makara-sankranti-are-not-the-same

December Solstice / Winter Solstice (Uttarayana) occurs when the Sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.5 degrees so that North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the Sun. It happens every year on either December 21 or 22. The word “Solstice” is a Greco-Latin short form for “Sol (Sun) and Stacis (stays still)” This is a phase when the earth no longer tilts towards northward or southward but “stays still” and then starts to move southward or northward respectively again. At December Solstice Sun is directly overhead on the Tropic of Capricorn (Makara Vrutta) while in June Solstice Sun is directly on Tropic of Cancer (KarkatakaVrutta ). In December Solstice period the daylight hours is shorter for those living north of the equator.

Makara Sankranthi is observed the day when Sun enters the zodiacal sign Capricorn. This marks the visit of Sun to the house of his son Saturn (Shani), who is the Lord of Makara Rashi (Capricorn). Ancient Romans celebrated this period as “Saturnalia” to honor Saturn who was an agricultural deity and there would be a thanks giving ceremony as they enjoyed the abundance bounty of the earth. Saturnalia was a festival of light leading to the winter solstice, with the abundant presence of candles symbolizing the quest for knowledge and truth.

There is a common misapprehension that Makara Sankranti is the period when the Sun starts move towards North (Uttarayana). Our ancients have clearly stated the difference between Uttarayana and Makara Sankranti. At the start of the Shalivahana Saka Calendar (Indian National Calendar) this festival was celebrated on the December Solstice. But, since the Hindu Calendar is based on Lunisolar the date indicates both the moon phase and the time of the solar year hence the calendar slides at the rate of 1 day every 72 years away from Gregorian Calendar. Due to this slide Makara Sankranti is drifting away from December Solstice (Uttarayana) and will slide further. As a result of the slide Makara Sankranti could be celebrated in the month of June after 10000 years but the Winter Solstice (Uttarayana) would remain in December.   

Whether it is celebrated in December or January or February this festival bestows immense joy on every living being. Sun is the symbol of light, equality and punctuality. Sun is impartial and never craves for any Prize, Price and Praise. This is the virtues that we humans have to imbibe from Sun.

May this festival of Makara Sankranti, the symbol of Good Revolution bring in a new rejuvenating change and provide Bliss to one and all to lead a happy, prosperous and cheerful life.