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Makar Sankranti is an auspicious Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the harvest festival. People in all parts of India celebrate this festival with different rituals and offer gratitude and honour in various ways. Also, the word Sankranti means movements, meaning the movement of the Sun in the Makar Rashi (Capricorn Sign). Wait, there’s more to uncover about Makar Sankranti 2025!
2025 Makar Sankranti Date and Time
- Makar Sankranti 2025 Date: 14th January 2025 (Tuesday)
- Punya Kala Makara Sankranti: 09:03 AM to 05:46 PM
- Maha Punya Kala Makara Sankranti: 09:03 AM to 10:48 AM
What is Makar Sankraniti?
People celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti 2025 according to the solar calendar, marking the Sun’s movement into the Capricorn zodiac sign. Sankranti is the first festival of the year that marks the end of winter with the blessings of Surya Dev. “Makar” means Capricorn sign, and “Sankranti” means movement. So, on this day, the Sun moves into the Makar Rashi, leaving the Northern Hemisphere and entering the Southern Hemisphere, also known as Uttarayan.
Furthermore, people in various regions of India celebrate the festival of Makar Sankranti. This festival marks the change of seasons, marking the end of winter and the beginning of warmer days. It is also the start of the harvest season for crops like sugarcane, sesame, and various grains. Farmers celebrate the successful harvesting of these crops and the abundance they bring. They worship the Sun God and offer unique dishes from newly harvested crops.
Makar Sankranti Mythological Story: The Death of Bhishma Pitamah
Bhisma Pitamah, one of the greatest warriors in the Mahabharata, died on the day of Makar Sankranti. During the Kurukshetra War, Arjuna severely injured Bhisma Pitamah with his arrows, but Bhisma could not die because of the boon he had received to choose the time of his death. Therefore, he waited for an auspicious moment on Makar Sankranti. On this day, as the sun moved into Capricorn, Bhisma chose to leave his body.
Moreover, people consider his death on Makar Sankranti special because it symbolises the transition from darkness to light, just like the sun’s movement brings warmth after the winter. This connection adds even more meaning to the day as it is believed that individuals who pass away on this day achieve freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
Makar Sankranti Names in Different States
Sankranti is prevalent in many states of India, but the only difference is that different names know it. They also have various rituals to celebrate them. Many people might consider it a different festival altogether, but here we will explore the celebration of Makar Sankranti 2025 in different states of India.
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1. Poush Sankranti in West Bengal
After Durga Puja, Poush Sankranti is the major festival celebrated by the people of West Bengal. It is an important festival during which people offer prayers and offerings to the Sun God for fruitful crops. To double the celebration, people organise a huge fair or mela during Makar Sankranti 2025.
During the mela, people gather to perform Aarti to honour God and celebrate the festival. Moreover, people eat pithey, a traditional sweet rice, on this auspicious occasion. Also, Gokul pithey, patisapta and Dudh puli are the important feasts added to the menu.
2. Makaravilakku in Kerala
Makaravilakku is the most sacred festival in Kerala. People in Kerala are devoted to prayers and chantings, making it a place believed to be home to God. The devotees gather together in Sabrimala temple to celebrate the festival of Makaravilakku with great spirit, offering prayers and seeking blessings.
Moreover, this festival is celebrated in January, when the devotees offer prayers to Lord Ayyapan. The temple priest offers Prasad, known as Prasadasudhi, made in earthen pots for cooking as a blessing from God. Also, Makaravilakku means the flame of the light, so lighting diyas is a part of the ritual during this festival.
3. Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh
One of the most celebrated festivals in Uttar Pradesh is Khichdi. Devotees prepare khichdi on this day because it is named Khichdi. They prepare khichdi with dal and rice and offer it to people as a part of the ritual. During this festival, the Sankranti Mela or Kumbh Mela is an important part of the celebration throughout Prayag.
On this day, people visit the nearby holy rivers, such as the Ganga, Saraswati, or Yamuna rivers, known as the Magh Snan. They do this to wash away all impurities, seek blessings from the Sun God, and attain Moksha.
4. Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu
Makar Sankranti names in different states include the celebration of Pongal, where Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu. On this day, the Sun moves northward, and people thank Lord Surya for fruitful harvesting throughout the year. People celebrate the festival in mid-January by offering cooked rice with jaggery to God.
Moreover, people celebrate the Pongal festival for four days, starting with Bhogi Pongal and followed by Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. On this special day, they also enjoy playing the traditional and exciting sport called Jallikattu.
5. Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, people celebrate Makar Sankranti as Pedda Panduga with great joy and happiness. People dedicate this day to the Sun God and the celebration of the Sun entering the 10th House.
Moreover, people clean their homes and decorate the entrance with Muggu (Rangoli) to believe that God will enter their homes. During festivals, families offer traditional sweets and foods like bobatullu, paramannam, and pulihora to God before distributing them among family and friends.
6. Magh Bihu in Assam and other parts of North East
People of Assam celebrate Bihu and many other states in the Northeast. This festival is close to the heart of Northeastern people, which holds strong emotions for the whole community. It celebrates Mother Nature and the Sun God for showering their blessings yearly.
Shunga and Til pitha, pona and laroo (Coconut laado) are traditional and unique items prepared during the Bihu Festival. Moreover, Uruka is the special night during this festival, where people invite guests to feast at their homes.
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7. Vasi Uttarayan in Gujarat
Vasi uttrayan is a famous festival in Gujarat, and people are all set to make it grand. People throughout the country participate in this festival, known as International Kite Day. Since the times of royal kings and Nawabs, people have traditionally believed in flying kites to awaken the Gods and seek blessings.
Also, in Ahmedabad, you can witness huge Sankranti fairs and Pataang Bazaar, where you can get kites of your choice to fly on the day of Vasi Uttarayan. You will hear the people shouting “Kai Po Che,” a Gujarati phrase that means “I have cut your kite”.
8. Maghi in the state of Punjab
The Sikh community in Punjab celebrates Sankranti as Maaghi by preparing bonfires to burn away all negativities. On the night of Maghi, people gather together and round around the fire, seeking blessings from the fire God, Agni. They perform traditional folk songs and dances known as bhangra, which fills people with a festive mood.
On this day, people also show respect and gratitude to Dulla Bhati, as mentioned in the traditional Punjabi folk song. The festival of Maghi is also famous in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu Kashmir.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 14 January festival called?
2. What is Makar Sankranti other names date 2025?
3. What is the Colour of Sankranti?
4. What are the things to avoid on Sankranti?
5. Which God is Worshipped on Makar Sankranti?
6. What food items are prepared on Makar Sankranti?
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