Makar Sankranti 2025: Date, rituals, spiritual significance and celebrations | All you need to know about Sun's journey into Capricorn
PTC Web Desk: Makar Sankranti, a significant Hindu festival, marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, a time when the days begin to grow longer as the Sun moves northward, a phenomenon known as Uttarayan. The festival is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions, celebrated with great enthusiasm across India.
This year, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14. According to Drik Panchang, the Punya Kaal (auspicious period) will last from 9:03 am to 5:46 pm, giving ample time for devotees to perform traditional rituals and prayers. Within this time, the Maha Punya Kaal, an especially auspicious hour, will run from 9.03 am to 10.48 am, considered ideal for prayers and offerings to the Sun God.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated under different names across various regions of India. In Uttar Pradesh, it's called Makara Sankranti, while in Tamil Nadu, it's known as Pongal. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is celebrated as Uttarayana, whereas people in Haryana and Punjab refer to it as Maghi. In Maharashtra, Goa, and several southern states like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Telangana, it is called Poush Songkranti.
Each region celebrates the festival with its own unique cultural customs, yet the underlying theme remains the same — the welcoming of new harvests, the honouring of the Sun, and the celebration of light's victory over darkness.
Makar Sankranti's spiritual significance transcends its astronomical origins. As the Sun transitions into Capricorn, it signifies a journey toward enlightenment and spiritual awakening. The festival is seen as a time to shed negativity and embrace divine blessings, renewal, and hope.
Makar Sankranti is known for its mouthwatering treats made primarily from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, with the traditional dish being Pongal made from newly harvested rice, lentils, and jaggery. In Maharashtra, people indulge in 'puran poli,' a sweet flatbread filled with a mixture of moong dal and jaggery, served as a festive breakfast.
- With inputs from agencies
