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Makar Sankranti is a highly auspicious festival that symbolises new beginnings and prosperity.
In 2025, the Makar Sankranti festival will be observed on Tuesday, January 14. Makara Sankranthi is a Hindu festival commemorating the Sun’s transition into Makar (Capricorn). It is one of the few traditional Hindu festivities that follow solar cycles. The season marks the end of winter and the start of longer days. It’s also the start of the month of Magha.
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that is held throughout the country under various names. Each state celebrates the event according to its own culture and traditions.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti devoted to the God Sun, also known as Surya. The event also marks the beginning of a six-month auspicious season for Hindus known as the Uttarayana period. It is regarded as a key moment for spiritual practice.
On Makara Sankranthi, lakhs of people take a sacred plunge at the Sangam, which is the confluence of the Ganga and Jamuna rivers. The holy plunge is believed to result in the forgiveness of previous misdeeds. People also pray to God Surya and praise him for their fortune and success. According to the Hindu calendar, there are 12 Sankranti each year. Makar Sankranti is the most important event is celebrated throughout the country.
For farmers, this festival represents the conclusion of the harvest season and is an occasion to express thanks for a bountiful yield and to pray for future prosperity.
Makar Sankranti 2025: Date and Auspicious Timings
Makar Sankranti in 2025 will be celebrated on January 14 (Tuesday). This festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and is significant for its association with the harvest season and cultural festivities across India.
Auspicious Timings for Makar Sankranti 2025
- Punya Kaal (Auspicious Period): The Punya Kaal will last from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM on January 14, providing an ideal time for rituals and prayers.
- Sun’s Entry into Capricorn: The sun will enter Capricorn at 8:41 AM.
- Ganga Snan Muhurat: The best time for taking a holy dip will be from 8:55 AM to 12:51 PM, with a special auspicious period from 8:55 AM to 9:29 AM known as Amrit Kaal, which is considered highly beneficial for spiritual practices and rituals.
Regional Celebrations and Traditions Associated with Makar Sankranti
In India, Makar Sankranti is observed according to a diverse range of regional customs and traditions, each of which contributes a distinct flavor to the celebrations. Here are some instances of how different states commemorate this important harvest festival:
Regional Celebrations and Traditions
- Gujarat: Known for its grand Uttarayan, Gujarat transforms into a vibrant kite-flying hub. The skies are filled with colourful kites as communities engage in friendly competitions. The festival also features traditional sweets and local delicacies.
- Odisha: The celebrations of Makar Sankranti in Odisha marks the commencement of Makar Mela and also the preparation of various tasty, mouth-watering delicacies. The preparation of the traditional dish- Makar Chaula includes uncooked, newly harvested rice, banana, jaggery, coconut, rasgullas, sesame, Chhena puddings and Khai/Liaa.
- Maharashtra: The celebration includes the exchange of Tilgul, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizing friendship and new beginnings. People also enjoy kite flying, with vibrant fairs showcasing cultural performances like Lavani dance.
- Tamil Nadu: Here, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God. The first day involves cooking the traditional dish Pongal, made from freshly harvested rice, symbolizing abundance. The festivities include colourful rangoli designs and folk dances.
- Punjab: Celebrated as Lohri, it marks the harvest of rabi crops, particularly sugarcane. Large bonfires are lit, and people gather to sing folk songs and perform traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda. The night before, offerings of sesame seeds and jaggery are thrown into the flames.
- Uttar Pradesh: Makar Sankranti coincides with the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where millions take a holy dip in sacred rivers. The day is marked by rituals meant to wash away sins and bring blessings for the year ahead.
- Bihar and Jharkhand: The festival is associated with preparing Khichdi, a dish made from rice and lentils. Makar Sankranti Melas (fairs) are held where people celebrate with local handicrafts and traditional foods.
- West Bengal: Celebrated with spiritual fervour, many gather at the Ganges for a holy dip. People prepare til patti, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, offering it to the Sun God while engaging in devotional chants.
- Uttarakhand: Known as Khichdi Sankranti, it involves offering khichdi to deities and preparing traditional sweets. People visit temples to pray, marking the beginning of the harvesting season for local crops.
- Telangana: Unique traditions include performances by Haridasu (devotees of Lord Vishnu) and Gangireddu (decorated bulls), who go house to house singing devotional songs. Kite flying is also popular here, along with vibrant rangoli competitions.
Source: JJ
