Makar Sankranti 2025 : Date and Time,Significance of the festival
Updated on : 10 January 2025
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Table Of Contents
Overview
Makar Sankranti, one of the most celebrated festivals in India, marks the transition of the Sun into the Capricorn (Makar) zodiac sign, signifying the end of winter and the onset of longer days. This festival is a blend of spiritual devotion and cultural vibrance, observed with varied customs across states. It is a day to celebrate harvest, prosperity, and new beginnings.
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| Makar Sankranti 2025 | January 14, 2025 |
| Punyakaal | 09:03 AM to 05:46 PM |
| Maha Punyakaal | 09:03 AM to 10:48 AM |
| Cultural Importance | Celebrates harvest, unity, and prosperity. |
| Popular Names in India | Pongal, Uttarayan, Lohri, Magh Bihu |
| Traditional Foods | Tilgul, Pithe, Pongal rice |
| Key Activities | Kite flying, charity, river baths |
Image Source: Makar Sankranti 2025
Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Makar Sankranti celebrates the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). This marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of Uttarayan, a six-month auspicious period. The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, growth, and the renewal of life. It also coincides with the harvest season, making it a time of gratitude and joy for farmers.
Image Source: Makar Sankranti
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How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
The celebrations of Makar Sankranti are marked by vibrant customs and traditions, varying across states:
- Kite Flying: Particularly popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan, symbolizing freedom and joy.
- Holy Baths: Pilgrims take ritualistic baths in sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
- Traditional Foods: Sweets made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur) are shared.
- Fairs and Cultural Events: Organized across states to celebrate the harvest.
- Charity: Donating clothes, food, and money is considered auspicious.
Image Source: Makar Sankranti Celebrate
States Celebrating Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India, in a different manner. Here are the names of Makar Sankranti festival and how it is celebrated in different states:
| State | Name of Festival | Celebration Details |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Makar Sankranti | A four-day celebration with cultural activities and rituals related to harvest. |
| Assam | Bhogali Bihu | Celebrated with feasting, bonfires, and community events as part of the harvest festival. |
| Punjab | Lohri (Eve) | Lohri is celebrated the night before, with bonfires and dancing, marking the harvest. |
| Delhi/Haryana | Sukarat | Known as Sukarat, celebrated with community meals and local customs in Delhi and Haryana. |
| Gujarat | Uttarayan | Famous for kite flying, the festival is marked by vibrant outdoor celebrations. |
| Madhya Pradesh | Makar Sankranti | Exchanging sweets and engaging in local cultural programs to mark the festival. |
| Maharashtra | Makar Sankranti | Celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and exchanging tilgul (sesame sweets). |
| Odisha | Makar Sankranti | Lighting bonfires, enjoying community feasts, and following local customs. |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal | Celebrated for four days, marking the harvest season with feasts and rituals. |
| Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh | Khichdi Parwa | People take a holy dip in the Ganges, eat Khichdi, and offer prayers. |
| West Bengal | Sankranti/Paush Parbon | Celebrated for three days, starting with the festival, with various cultural events. |
The Astronomical Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti holds a unique position as it is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar. It marks the Sun’s entry into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. This celestial event symbolizes the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of warmer, longer days, representing growth and positivity.
Makar Sankranti 2025: Rituals
Makar Sankranti is observed across India, each region celebrating with its own distinctive traditions:
North India: Known as Lohri, people celebrate by gathering around bonfires, singing folk songs, dancing, and enjoying festive feasts to mark the harvest season.
South India: Celebrated as Pongal, the festivities often span several days. A special dish called Pongal is prepared and offered as gratitude for the harvest.
West India: In Gujarat and Rajasthan, kite flying takes center stage. People fill the skies with colorful kites to honor the Sun's northward journey.
East India: In West Bengal, the Ganga Sagar Mela is a key event. Devotees take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, symbolizing purification and renewal.
The Festival’s Role in Agriculture
Makar Sankranti coincides with the harvest season. Farmers celebrate the successful harvesting of crops, making it a time of joy and gratitude. Communities come together to share the fruits of their labor, emphasizing unity and cooperation.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti 2025 is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of life, nature, and spirituality. Whether you’re flying kites, preparing traditional dishes, or engaging in acts of charity, this festival offers something for everyone. As we welcome the warmth of the Sun and the promise of new beginnings, Makar Sankranti teaches us the value of gratitude, unity, and hope.
FQA
Q1. Is Makar Sankranti on 14th or 15th?
Ans. Makar Sankranti 2025 falls on January 14th.
Q2. Which state has the best Makar Sankranti?
Ans. Andhra Pradesh's "Pongal" and Gujarat's kite festival are renowned for vibrant Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Q3. What is the difference between Makar Sankranti and Lohri?
Ans. Lohri, celebrated in Punjab, marks the harvest of rabi crops, while Makar Sankranti signifies the Sun’s transition into Capricorn.
Q4. What are the three days of Sankranti 2025?
Ans. Bhogi (Jan 14), Sankranti (Jan 15), and Kanuma (Jan 16) are the three days of the festival.
Q5. Why is the Makar Sankranti date changing?
Ans. The date shifts gradually due to the Earth's axial precession and its impact on the solar calendar.
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