Uttarayan 2018, Uttarayan 2018 Date
The term Uttarayan or Uttarayana is made up of two sanskrit words "uttara" and "ayana", the first meaning north and the later meaning movement. The day of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti (as it is called in North India) is dedicated to Lord Surya. Entering of Sun into Capricorn sign from Gemini is known as Uttarayan. When Sun transit from Cancer to Sagittarius, it is known as Dakshinayan. It starts the day after winter solstice in January uptill June. Uttarayan begins 14 January. Entering of Sun into Makar rashi or capricorn sign is celebrated as Makar Sankranti in North India. It is celebrated as Uttarayan in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. The same period is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Maghi in Haryana and Punjab. The days become longer and nights become shorter starting this day of Uttarayan.
The day of Uttarayan is very auspicious as it is considered the day time of the "Devas" or time of Gods so if you start any new work, new business, yajna, vow, marriages, etc. is considered very auspicious and fruitful. Kite playing festival is celebrated on Uttarayan day in Gujarat. Skies of Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara can be seen covered with kites.
Uttarayan Importance and Legends
1. Lord Krishna once said in Bhagwad Geeta "Uttarayan is the most auspicious period of six months having maximum light. If anybody leaves his body in this period then he will attain moksha.
2. Bhishma Pitamaha of Mahabharata died on this day of Uttarayan as Bhisma Pitamah had a boon that he will die only when he wishes. So, he choose this day of Uttarayana. It is believed that people who die during Uttarayana merges with the God, thus ending the cycle of rebirth.
3. Bhagirath brought down river Ganga into Patala on Makara Sankranti/Uttarayana day for moksha or salvation for his ancestors. Thus bathing in river Ganga or bathing with River Ganga water on this day of Makara Sankranti/Uttarayan is of high importance.
4. Lord Vishnu buried Asuras under the Mandara Mountain thus ending evil on this Uttaryana day.
As per Hindu tradition the six months of Uttarayana are a single day of the Gods and the six months of Dakshinayana are a single night of the Gods.
The first day of Sankranti is known as Uttarayan and next day of Uttarayan is known as Vasi Uttarayan. Gujarati's eat Undhiyu, a spicy baked mix of winter vegetables and Chikkis, made from sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery.
When is Uttarayan ? Uttarayan Dates
14th January 2018 (Sunday)
15th January 2019 (Tuesday)
15th January 2020 (Wednesday)
14th January 2021 (Thursday)
14th January 2022 (Friday)
14th January 2022 (Friday)
15th January 2024 (Monday)
14th January 2025 (Tuesday)