Makar Sankranti 2025 Date and Time, State-Wise Celebration, and Significance

PWOnlyIAS January 14, 2025 09:12 6747 0

Makar Sankranti 2025 will be celebrated on 14 January 2025. Learn more about Makar Sankranti 2025 significance, and state-wise celebration here.

Makar Sankranti 2025 Date and Time, State-Wise Celebration, and Significance

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.

Makar Sankranti 2025 Date and Time

Makar Sankranti is a widely celebrated harvest festival in India, marking the transition of the sun into the Capricorn (Makar) zodiac sign. It signifies the end of winter solstice and the beginning of longer, warmer days, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. The festival holds great cultural and religious significance across various states of India.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Makar Sankranti 2025 Overview
Feature Details
Date January 14, 2025
Significance Marks Sun’s transition into Capricorn, ending winter solstice.
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

Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the Sun’s transition into Makar Rashi (Capricorn), which signifies the beginning of the auspicious Uttarayana period. It is a time of gratitude for the harvest and hope for prosperity in the coming year.

  • Agricultural Significance: Marks the harvest season for crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
  • Spiritual Importance: This represents the Sun’s movement towards the northern hemisphere, bringing warmth and positivity.
  • Renewal and Gratitude: A day to thank nature and express gratitude for abundance.

Cultural Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti embodies unity in diversity, with each state celebrating the festival in its unique way. It represents the spirit of community, renewal, and well-being. Rituals like holy dips, offering prayers, and preparing traditional sweets reflect the festival’s essence.

  • Unity Across Regions: Celebrated under different names like Pongal, Magh Bihu, and Lohri, yet unified in spirit.
  • Connection with Nature: Highlights the importance of nature, agriculture, and seasonal cycles.
  • Tradition and Joy: Rituals like kite flying, folk dances, and feasts bring communities together.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

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.

States Celebrating Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with diverse traditions, reflecting the cultural richness of each region. Here is the table highlighting the regional variations of Makar Sankranti.

State/Region Festival Name Unique Traditions
Tamil Nadu Pongal Celebrated for four days by cooking special rice dishes.
Andhra Pradesh Makar Sankranti Observed as a four-day festival.
Punjab Lohri Celebrated on the eve of Makar Sankranti with bonfires.
Madhya Pradesh Makar Sankranti Exchanging sweets and cultural programs.
Odisha Makar Sankranti Lighting bonfires and communal feasts.
Assam Bhogali Bihu Marked by feasting and traditional celebrations.
West Bengal Poush Sankranti A three-day festival starting on Sankranti.
Delhi & Haryana Sukarat Celebrated with kite flying and traditional foods.
Gujarat Uttarayan Known for competitive kite flying.
Maharashtra Makar Sankranti Celebrated with sweets like tilgul and community gatherings.

International Kite Festival in Gujarat

The International Kite Festival is one of Gujarat’s most vibrant and globally renowned events, celebrated every year in January during Makar Sankranti. Held in Ahmedabad, this festival attracts kite enthusiasts and participants from all over the world. The sky transforms into a colorful canvas as unique kites of various shapes and sizes take flight. The event symbolizes joy, unity, and the cultural heritage of Gujarat, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Along with kite flying, the festival includes cultural performances, local cuisine, and craft exhibitions, offering a true glimpse of Gujarat’s rich traditions.

International Kite Festival in Gujarat: Highlights

Aspect Details
When January every year during Makar Sankranti (13th-15th January typically)
Where Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Attractions Kite flying competitions, unique and artistic kites, cultural performances, local cuisine, and craft exhibitions
Time All-day events with kite flying starting from morning until evening
History Initiated in 1989 to showcase Gujarat’s vibrant kite culture and to promote its rich heritage internationally
Participants Kite enthusiasts and experts from over 40 countries and several Indian states
Significance Celebrates joy, unity, and Gujarat’s cultural heritage while promoting tourism

List of Sankranti Dates in 2025

Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another, making it an auspicious occasion in Hindu culture. Each Sankranti signifies a change in the solar position, often accompanied by religious rituals, prayers, and festivities. Below is the comprehensive list of Sankranti dates for 2025, along with their corresponding zodiac transitions and celebrations.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Date Day Festival Name
14 January 2025 Tuesday Makar Sankranti/Pongal
12 February 2025 Wednesday Kumbha Sankranti
14 March 2025 Friday Meena Sankranti
14 April 2025 Monday Mesha Sankranti
15 May 2025 Thursday Vrishabha Sankranti
14 to 16 June 2025 Saturday-Monday Mithuna Sankranti
16 July 2025 Wednesday Karka Sankranti
17 August 2025 Sunday Simha Sankranti
17 September 2025 Wednesday Kanya Sankranti
17 October 2025 Friday Tula Sankranti
16 November 2025 Sunday Vrischika Sankranti
16 December 2025 Tuesday Dhanu Sankranti

Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

FAQs on Makar Sankranti 2025

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrating the Sun's transition into the Capricorn zodiac, marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.

It will be celebrated on January 14, 2025.

It signifies the harvest season, the auspicious Uttarayana period, and the Sun’s journey towards the northern hemisphere.

With kite flying, holy river dips, preparing sweets, organizing fairs, and donating to the needy.

Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Magh Bihu (Assam), Uttarayan (Gujarat), and Lohri (Punjab & Haryana).
/*
*/

Archive Calendar

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
2425262728  

by month

Need help preparing for UPSC or State PSCs?

Connect with our experts to get free counselling & start preparing

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

      
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.