Curiosity Corner: Makar Sankranti — Which God is worshipped on this day and why?

When Makar Sankranti comes around, you can feel it in the air.Mornings are brighter, the sun feels warmer, and somehow everyone seems a little happier. Kites fill the sky, sweets appear in every home, and elders talk about “good days beginning.” But somewhere between flying kites and eating til-gud, a question quietly pops up. Which god is actually worshipped during Makar Sankranti?

Think about a day without the sun. No warmth. No light. No plants growing. Pretty boring, right?Since ancient times, people have understood that the sun is the biggest reason life exists on Earth. Farmers depended on it. Seasons followed it. Crops grew because of it.So naturally, the sun wasn’t just seen as a planet in the sky, but as a powerful god who gives life.
During Makar Sankranti, the Sun God is worshipped because this day marks a special movement of the sun. The sun starts its journey northwards, which is called Uttarayan.And people believed this movement brings longer days, more warmth, and better times ahead. So yes, it’s less about rituals and more about saying thank you to the sun for supporting life.

Makar Sankranti usually falls in mid-January. Winter slowly starts to fade. Days don’t feel as cold anymore.Farmers prepare for a new agricultural season. And that’s where Surya Dev becomes important again.The Sun God represents energy, growth, and positivity. Worshipping Surya on this day is like welcoming a fresh start.People believe that when the sun changes direction, it washes away darkness and brings hope.And honestly, that idea still makes sense even today. Longer days lift moods. Sunlight feels comforting. So worshipping the sun is also about celebrating change.

You may have heard elders say, “Til-gud ghya, god god bola.” Eat sesame and jaggery, and speak sweetly. This tradition isn’t random. Sesame seeds and jaggery keep the body warm, which is perfect for this time of year.But they also carry a message.

What’s interesting is that Makar Sankranti isn’t called the same thing everywhere. In Tamil Nadu, it’s Pongal. In Punjab, Lohri. In Assam, Magh Bihu. In Gujarat, Uttarayan. But no matter the name, the sun remains at the center.

In some places, people cook rice in sunlight.In others, bonfires are lit to celebrate warmth.And in many homes, people offer water to the rising sun early in the morning. Different customs, same respect for Surya Dev.

Here’s something cool. Makar Sankranti isn’t just a religious festival. It’s also linked to astronomy.The sun actually does change its position according to Earth’s movement.Ancient people noticed this long before modern science explained it

For children, Makar Sankranti isn’t just about prayers. It’s about understanding where food comes from, why seasons change, and how nature supports us every day.Worshipping the Sun God reminds us to respect sunlight, plants, farmers, and even time itself.