Sankranti means migration of the Sun from one constellation to the next. There are 12 Sankrantis as the Sun follows its celestial path. The Sankranthi which is universally and popularly celebrated all over India is Makar Sankranti. The Sun is entering the Capricorn constellation. It marks the end of an inauspicious phase in the Hindu calendar which begins around mid-December. The sun ends its southward journey and starts moving northward towards the Tropic of Cancer, and the days start to get longer again. Makar Sankranti signals the beginning of the harvest season and end of the northeast monsoon in South India. It marks the termination of winter season and marks the arrival of Spring in India. It is a joyous and traditional event. It is one of the few Indian festivals which fall on the same date every year, January 14th.
Sree Venkateswara Temple, Richfield, Ohio celebrated this festival on January 13th. About 750 people attended the various events of the day. The cultural program lasted two and a half hours. It consisted of songs, dances and kits. The students of Ragapriya prepared two songs for this celebration, and did an excellent job of singing. The songs were very upbeat and they and the audience really enjoyed their songs. Congratulations to the students who participated in this celebration!