In India as in many parts of South Asia, ed this is the time of the New Year. This is the time when the northward transition of the Sun from Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius) to Makara rashi (Capricorn) takes place. Known as Makara Sankranti – the harvest festival – it is a time that marks the ending of winter and the beginning of spring. A very auspicious time in the Hindu calendar as it is the beginning...