Makar Sankranti 2025: Makar Sankranti is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 14 (Tuesday), with auspicious timings for rituals and activities that enhance the festival’s significance.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti symbolizes the end of winter and the onset of longer days. It is a time for purification, new beginnings, and the worship of Lord Surya, the Sun God. This festival is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, celebrating the harvest season and fostering community bonding through shared festivities and rituals.
Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal Timings
On Makar Sankranti, specific timings are considered particularly auspicious for performing rituals such as bathing, donations, and prayers:
- Punya Kaal: January 14, 2025, from 09:03 AM to 05:46 PM.
- Maha Punya Kaal: January 14, 2025, from 09:03 AM to 10:48 AM.
These periods are deemed highly beneficial for spiritual practices. Engaging in acts of kindness, such as donating food and clothing or performing rituals by holy rivers during these times can lead to significant spiritual merit.
Rituals and Practices
During Makar Sankranti, devotees engage in various rituals:
- Bathing in Holy Rivers: People also go for holy bathing in rivers for purification like going for Ganga Darshan.
- Donations: Special foods like ‘gud’ (jaggery), til (sesame seeds) as well as warm clothes in any form are given.
- Prayers: Pujan of Lord Surya accompanied by offering of water and sweets are parts of the rituals of celebration.
Cultural Celebrations
Makar Sankranti festival is observed in many states and union territories of India with different flavors. In the Tamil Nadu region it is called ‘Pongal’ and in Gujarat region people fly kites. Every zone has its own contribution to this colourful festival.
| Date | Day | Festival Name | Key Activities |
| January 14 | Tuesday | Makar Sankranti | Bathing, donations, kite flying |
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti thus combines the principles of an important astrological change with the creation of a communitarian spirit through celebrations. If one approaches this festival with a commitment of sorts, then there is something that can be gained in the way of spiritual evolution – at least feeling good about the experience. Looking forward to January 14, and therefore Makar Sankranti, let us celebrate it through meaningful actions.
