Makar Sankranti or Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path. It draws the second largest number of pilgrims in the country. The devotees believe that witnessing the light brings them good luck and divine blessings.

The Makara Jyothi marks the climax of the Makaravilakku season of Sabarimala pilgrimage lasting 41 days.

(light that appears three times on the hills on every Makara Sankranthi during thesunset);

Makaravilakku is a festival in Kerala, India. This event happens in the shrine of Sabarimala. The Thiruvabharana procession is one of the important features of the Makaravilakku festival, the second part of the annual congregation is at the hill shrine of Sabarimala. Lakhs of devotees flow to Sabarimala every year for having a 'darshan' of this ritual. People always see an eagle flying over Sabarimala during Makara Vilakku time.