Makar Sankranti is a festival in India that symbolizes the change of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), marking a time of new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. One of the most important traditions associated with this festival is the consumption of Gajak and Gur (jaggery), two types of sweets that carry deep significance. While they are a delight to the taste buds, they also hold astrological and spiritual relevance. According to Vedic astrology, consuming these sweets during Makar Sankranti has profound implications for both bodily and spiritual well-being.
- Representation of Sun Rays and Prosperity
In Vedic astrology, the Sun is regarded as a symbol of strength, power, and vitality. Makar Sankranti coincides with the day when the Sun begins its journey northwards, known as “Uttarayan,” a highly auspicious transitional phase. Gur and Gajak are symbolic foods—warm and sweet—that represent the influx of solar energy into one’s life, imbuing it with strength and vitality. Gur, known for its warming qualities, is believed to help cleanse both the body and the mind, making it an ideal food during the cold winter months. - Spiritual and Physical Cleansing
In Vedic traditions, Gur (jaggery) is associated with purification. It is said to purify the blood, aid digestion, and build immunity. Makar Sankranti is a time when consuming Gur is not only a means of nourishing the body but also a form of spiritual cleansing. It is believed to remove negative energies, preparing individuals for a prosperous and positive year ahead. - Role of Tils (Sesame Seeds) in Gajak
Gajak, which is typically made with sesame seeds, plays a crucial role in the Makar Sankranti feast. It is believed that Gajak absorbs positive cosmic energies and channels them into material success. It is also associated with attracting wealth and good fortune, as per Vedic astrology. The combination of sesame seeds and Gur is thought to enhance financial stability and bring prosperity. - Symbol of Appreciation and Sweet Relationships
The exchange of Gajak and Gur during Makar Sankranti symbolizes the importance of appreciation and positive relationships. According to Vedic traditions, offering these sweets to loved ones or even strangers is seen as an expression of joy, goodwill, and blessings. This exchange fosters harmony, strengthens bonds, and symbolizes the sweetness of life. - Energy for New Beginnings
Makar Sankranti is considered a time for new beginnings, a time to shed old habits and embrace positive change. The consumption of Gur and Gajak aligns with this theme of renewal. These sweet and nourishing foods symbolize the start of a fresh, positive journey, bringing good health, prosperity, and happiness into one’s life.
According to Vedic astrologers, consuming Gajak and Gur during Makar Sankranti is not just a tradition; it carries deep astrological significance. These foods symbolize the connection with the Sun’s energy and offer health benefits that promote both physical and spiritual cleansing, paving the way for prosperity and abundance. Makar Sankranti, therefore, celebrates not just the harvest, but also the alignment with cosmic energies that foster growth, positivity, and new beginnings.
Inputs by: Shri Shiva Amit Khanna, Vedic Celebrity Astrologer and Life Strategist.