# Makara-saṅkrānti > The sun's entry into Capricorn **Fixed date:** January 14 (occasionally January 15) --- ## Significance Makara-saṅkrānti marks the day when the sun begins its northward journey (*uttarāyaṇa*), entering the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). This is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar rather than the lunar calendar. The period of *uttarāyaṇa* (the sun's northern course) is considered especially auspicious. In the Bhagavad-gītā, Lord Kṛṣṇa explains that those who pass away during this period attain the supreme destination. --- ## Bhīṣma's Departure This day is especially significant because Bhīṣmadeva, the grandfather of the Pāṇḍavas, chose to leave his body on this auspicious day. After lying on his bed of arrows for fifty-eight days, he waited for the sun to begin its northern journey before departing. > Bhīṣmadeva was a great devotee of the Lord in relationship of servitorship. He was a great warrior, and therefore he preferred to address the Lord as Vijaya, or "the victor." > > — [[sb/1/9/30|SB 1.9.30]] Purport --- ## Observance - **Holy bathing:** Pilgrims bathe in sacred rivers, especially the Gaṅgā - **Charity:** Donations of sesame seeds, rice, and warm clothing - **Kite flying:** Popular in many regions of India - **Feasting:** Special preparations with sesame and jaggery --- ## Śrīla Prabhupāda on Uttarāyaṇa > The sun is the source of light, and therefore the sunshine is called *uttarāyaṇa,* or north-going. When the sun is on the northern hemisphere it is light, and when it is on the southern hemisphere it is dark. So Lord Caitanya's movement is just like the northern sunshine—it is giving light to the whole world. --- ## Related - [[wiki/articles/bhishmadeva|Bhīṣmadeva]] - [[sb/1/9|SB Canto 1, Chapter 9]] — The Passing Away of Bhīṣmadeva - [[bg/8/24|Bg. 8.24]] — Uttarāyaṇa --- *This festival falls on January 14 each year.*