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

PWOnlyIAS January 03, 2025 06:44 1070 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, 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

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.

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

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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.

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.

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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

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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).
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