BY SANTI VARDHANA CAITANYA DASA

KUALA LUMPUR - Tamils may have different names for their months, but it is same as the Vedic Solar Calendar. Everything is same except for the names of months. The Tamil month of Thai correspond to the Vedic month of Makara.

In both Vedic and Tamil calendar, the Thai month and Makara month mark the time when the Sun move
from the Southern hemisphere to the auspicious Northern hemisphere.

The Makara Sankranti marks the new beginning, auspicious start and prosperity. It is also time of giving gifts.

You will be surprised to know that Makara Sankranti also marks the time when the Devas in the heavens [Svargum] offers prayers unto the Sun God - Surya Narayana. Makara Sankranti marks the Sunrise at Svargum and so the Devas perform their Surya Namaskara on this day. "Adi" month or the Kartaka Sankranti marks the Sunset on Svargum.

I have proven how according to astrological view, Ponggal and Makara Sankranti is related.

In ancient times, more than 2000 years ago, this Makara Sankranti occurs on 25th December. The planets move with time and at present, the Makara Sankranti occurs on 14th January. The Roman Emperors, wanting to unite their empire, chose Christianity as their religion [hence Roman Catholics] and converted many ancient festivals as Christian festival and Makara Sankranti being most popular festival is converted as Christmas. Christmas is not the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christians celebrate birth of Jesus Christ on Good Friday which many fast all day or at least be vegetarians. Some fast for 40 days or be vegetarians during this period.

Furthermore, Makara Sankranti is celebrated all over India in same way. It is not unique to Tamil Nadu.