Legends of the Sun God

[cite_start]In the epic Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited on a bed of arrows for 58 days to leave his mortal body. [cite: 47, 49] [cite_start]He possessed the boon of Ichcha Mrityu (self-willed death) and chose to wait specifically for the start of Uttarayana. [cite: 44, 50]

It is believed that souls departing during this period attain Moksha (liberation). [cite_start]As the Sun entered Capricorn, Bhishma left his body, merging with the divine. [cite: 53, 54]

[cite_start]Astrologically, the Sun (Surya) enters the house of his son, Saturn (Shani), during this festival. [cite: 85] [cite_start]Despite their mythological strained relationship, on this day, Surya sets aside his pride to visit Shani. [cite: 89]

This meeting symbolizes forgiveness and family harmony. [cite_start]The exchange of Til-Gul (Sesame and Jaggery) represents this union: sesame represents Shani, and sweet jaggery represents Surya. [cite: 91]

[cite_start]"Tilgul ghya, god god bola" — Accept these sweets and speak sweet words. [cite: 93]

[cite_start]King Bhagirath performed severe penance to bring the celestial river Ganga to Earth to liberate the souls of his 60,000 ancestors. [cite: 71, 72] [cite_start]Guided by Lord Shiva, the Ganga flowed down and reached the ashram of Sage Kapila on Makar Sankranti. [cite: 77]

[cite_start]This event is commemorated by the massive Ganga Sagar Mela, where millions take a holy dip to wash away sins, mirroring the salvation of Bhagirath's ancestors. [cite: 79]

[cite_start]Celebrated the night before Sankranti, Lohri honors Dulla Bhatti, a 16th-century hero of Punjab who acted as a "Robin Hood," rescuing girls from the slave trade and arranging their marriages. [cite: 123, 124]

[cite_start]Folk songs sung around the bonfire, like "Sunder Mundriye ho!", immortalize his bravery and protection of honor. [cite: 124]

Legends speak of a demon named Sankarasur who terrorized the earth. [cite_start]A goddess named Sankranti manifested to vanquish him. [cite: 98, 99]

She slew the demon on this day, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the victory of righteousness. [cite_start]The following day, Kinkrant, marks her victory over another demon, Kinkarasur. [cite: 100]

• [cite_start]Pongal (Tamil Nadu): Linked to Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect Gokul from Indra's rain, establishing the Bhogi festival. [cite: 112, 116]
• [cite_start]Bihu (Assam): The spring storms are personified as Bordoisila, a daughter returning to her mother's home (Earth), marking the seasonal change. [cite: 128]