Makara Sankranti and Lord Ayyappan

On Makara Sankranti, many devotees worship Lord Ayyappan.
There is also an interesting story associated with this day.
When Sri Rama’s great devotee, Sabari meets Him after a long wait, she offers fresh fruits. Sri Rama then notices a young man- bright as thousand suns meditating. Sabari informs He is Sasta (Lord Ayyappan) in tapas. Without disturbing, Sri Rama goes and stands in front of Him. Slowly opening his eyes and seeing the Prince of Ayodhya right in front of him, he offers his respect.
This anniversary is celebrated on the Makara Vilakku day- Swami Ayyappan is said to stop His tapas and bless the devotees.