Makar Sankranti 2025, History, Significance, Date

07-01-2025

05:33 AM

Makar Sankranti 2025 Celebrations

On the day of Makar Sankranti, the sun starts its journey towards northward and transitions into the capricorn zodiac sign, marking the commencement of Uttarayan. Considered to be a significantly auspicious period in hindu tradition, this day is a symbol of prosperity, spiritual awakening and growth. According to Indian traditions, the sun transitioning into a northward movement is marked to bring prosperity and good fortune. While many states celebrate it as the beginning of harvest season, many states celebrate it in a manner that the devotees take dips in the holy rivers as a way of cleansing their souls and starting anew.

Makar Sankranti History

Makar Sankranti, an auspicious hindu festival is related with the birth of Narashansa, the first preceptor of righteousness in Kaliyuga. Marking the victory of good over evil, the day is celebrated with a belief that Lord Vishnu defeated Lord Sankarasura on Makar Sankranti day.

The other legendary story associated with Makar Sankranti is from Mahabharata, where Bhishma Pitamah was lying on a bed of arrows and was blessed with a boon to decide his time of death. At that time, Bhishma Pitamah, chose the day of Uttarayan to depart from his physical body. Hence the day is celebrated not only as a harvest festival but also the day of spiritual fulfillment.

Makar Sankranti Celebration in States

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	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.

Makar Sankranti Astronomical Significance

Astronomically, Makar Sankranti holds great significance as it marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn, signaling the start of Uttarayan—the six-month northward journey of the Sun. From this day, days become longer and nights shorter, marking the end of the cold winter season.

This alignment of the Sun with Capricorn is also associated with spiritual awakening. It is believed that engaging in religious and spiritual practices during this time is especially fruitful, as the environment is infused with heightened energy and positivity.

Makar Sankranti Cultural Significance

Makar Sankranti is not only a religious festival but also one that brings together the communities and promotes social welfare. Makar Sankranti festival is culturally significant for the following reasons:

People take a dip in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna as it is believed to clean their souls and shower blessings.
People offer donations in the form of food, clothes and money to the needy ones.
Traditional dishes like khichdi, rice are prepared showcasing the culinary heritage of India.
In Gujarat, kites are flown as a symbol of freedom and joy.

Makar Sankranti FAQs

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.