Makar Sankranti, one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrates the transition of the Sun into Capricorn and marks the beginning of longer days. Deeply rooted in Indian culture, this event honors the Sun God and symbolizes renewal, prosperity and spiritual growth. In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14, following the auspicious Muhurat timings.
Makar Sankranti 2025: Date and Time
on Makar Sankranti Tuesday, January 14, 2025
â–º Punya Kaal Muhurta: 09:03 AM to 06:04 PM (Duration: 9 hours)
â–º Maha Punya Kaal Muhurta: 09:03 AM to 10:57 AM (Duration: 1 hour, 54 minutes)
â–º Makar Sankranti moment: 09:03 am, January 14, 2025
â–ºPunya Kaal And great virtue period These are highly auspicious periods for spiritual practices, charitable works and performing religious rites.
Importance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season and honors Lord Surya (Sun God) for nourishing life on earth. This festival represents the victory of light over darkness and symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity and gratitude. This is an ideal time to begin new ventures and spiritual practices.
Diverse regional names and festivals
Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India with unique traditions:
â–ºTamil Nadu: Known as Pongal, it involves cooking a sweet dish to thank nature and the sun.
â–º Gujarat and Rajasthan: It is called Uttarayan, where the sky is filled with vibrant colors due to kite flying.
â–º Punjab and Haryana: This festival, known as Maghi, people take ritual dips in rivers and enjoy sweets like jaggery and kheer.
Rituals celebrated during Makar Sankranti
The festival is marked by various spiritual and social customs:
â–ºHoly dip in rivers: It is believed that bathing in holy rivers like Ganga and Yamuna purifies the soul.
â–ºOffering Naivedya: Devotees prepare special dishes and offer them to Lord Surya.
â–º Charitable work: Donating food, clothes and money during the auspicious period brings blessings.
â–º Ancestor Rituals: By performing Shraddha rituals, ancestors are respected.
â–º Breaking the fast (Parana): Many people observe fasts and end them during auspicious times.
Regional variations in festivals
Each state adds its own cultural flair:
â–º Maharashtra: People share sweets made of sesame and jaggery symbolizing unity and harmony.
â–º West Bengal: The famous Ganga Sagar Fair draws pilgrims to the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.
â–º South India: Families celebrate Pongal with intricate Kolam designs and feasts.
â–º Gujarat: Flying kites during Uttarayan brings communities together in joy.
Makar Sankranti is a celebration of faith, gratitude and unity. Its traditions promote kindness, joy, and reverence for the cycles of nature. Whether you celebrate it as Pongal, Uttarayan, or Maghi, the spirit of the festival unites diverse cultures in honoring the life-giving power of the Sun.
May Makar Sankranti 2025 fill your life with prosperity, warmth and happiness!
