Makar Sankranti 2025: One Festival Different names!

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the harvest festival. People in all parts of India celebrate this festival with different rituals. 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 Sankranti? 

People celebrate Makar Sankranti 2025 according to the solar calendar, marking the Sun’s movement into the Capricorn sign. “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, this festival starts the harvest season for sugarcane, sesame, and various grains. Farmers celebrate the successful harvesting and the abundance they bring. They worship the Sun God and offer unique dishes from newly harvested crops. 

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Makar Sankranti Mythological Story 

Here are the two major mythological stories that explain the significance of Makar Sankranti and how this festival originated. 

Goddess Sankranti Kills Sankarasur and Kinkarasur

The festival of Makar Sankranti is named after a Goddess called Sankranti, who defeated the demon Sankarasur. According to the story, Sankarasur was an evil force that caused harm; thus, the Goddess killed him to restore peace on Earth.

Moreover, after Makar Sankranti comes Karidin or Kinkrant when another demon named Kinkarasur is also defeated by the Goddess. These events symbolise the victory of good over evil, bringing light and happiness to the world.

The Death of Bhisma 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.

On Makar Sankranti, as the sun moved into Capricorn, Bhisma chose to leave his body. 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. 

Moreover, 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. So, 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, people celebrate Poush Sankranti in West Bengal. It is an essential festival during which people offer prayers and offerings to the Sun God for fruitful crops. People organise a huge fair or mela during Makar Sankranti 2025 to double the celebration. 

People gather and perform Aarti during the mela 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 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, people celebrate this festival in January, when the devotees offer prayers to Lord Ayyapan. The temple priest offers Prasad, known as Prasadasudhi, cooked in earthen pots 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 

On this day, devotees 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.

Moreover, 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 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 then 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 welcome Gods into their homes. 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 

Many other states of the Northeast, along with Assam, celebrate Bihu. 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) 

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