Celebrate Makar Sankranti, Hindu Festival 2025
As the winter sun begins its northward journey, a wave of jubilation sweeps across India. This transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, or Makara, marks the auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti—a day steeped in tradition, astronomy, and a profound sense of gratitude. Dating back thousands of years, this festival embodies the rhythm of nature, symbolizing the end of long, chilly nights and the beginning of longer, warmer days. Rooted in agrarian culture, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as a harvest festival, when farmers rejoice in the fruits of their labor. Fields of golden crops ready for harvest stand as a testament to the resilience and hard work of rural communities.
Legend intertwines beautifully with these festivities. It is said that on this day, the Sun God, visits the house of his son Shani, bridging gaps and fostering relationships. This cosmic reunion carries a deeper message—of harmony, renewal, and moving forward.
Each region of India celebrates Makar Sankranti in its unique way, adding color and charm to the festival. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant kites as Uttarayan is observed.
In Tamil Nadu, Pongal sees homes adorned with kolam (rangoli), while pots of sweet rice bubble in celebration. Meanwhile, in Punjab, the harvest festival of Lohri ignites bonfires, and in Maharashtra, people exchange tilgul (sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery) with the heartwarming phrase, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” (Take this sweet and speak sweetly).
Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival; it is a reminder of the Sun's benevolent energy, a celebration of resilience, and an ode to the timeless connection between humankind and nature. As the Sun's rays grow stronger and the earth tilts closer to warmth, this festival inspires hope, abundance, and togetherness, lighting up lives as brightly as the kites that soar through the azure skies.
Significance, Date & Venue of Makar Sankranti 2025
Makar Sankranti is an auspicious day when the sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn (makar) which connotes the end of winter and the beginning of warmer months and longer days. This auspicious festival also marks the onset of spring season which symbolises new blossoms and harvest. It is also known as Uttarayan as from this day onwards the sun begins its journey to the north which is known as Uttarayan journey.
The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14th January every year due to the set timing of the solar cycle. The date remains the same except in leap years when it is observed on 15th January.
This famous harvest festival of India is prominently celebrated in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. Besides Uttar Pradesh, the festival is celebrated with the same name in the Indian states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Bihar as well as in the capital city, Delhi. It is also observed as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam and Lohri in Punjab.
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History of Makar Sankranti
Legends have it that even the ancient people used to celebrate Makar Sankranti but the purpose was to worship the Sun God so that he would save them from harsh cold weather. Another popular folklore states that on this day King Bhagirathi brought river Ganga on Earth.
The time period of Uttarayan that begins with Makar Sankranti also finds its mention in the epic Mahabharata as Bhishma waited for Uttarayan to leave his mortal body. It is believed that people who die during this period escape the cycle of birth and death.
Major Attractions of Makar Sankranti Celebration 2025
Makar Sankranti is the first festival of the year that is celebrated in different names and rituals in almost every state in India. It is indeed a perfect example of unity in diversity which is also the major attraction of the festival. Check out the other attractions listed below!
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1. Food. Being a popular festival in India, the iconic dishes associated with it are also a prime attraction. People in North India prepare regional dishes such as Churma of ghee, Til Patti, Gajak, Revri, Til Ladoo, Gud (jaggery), and Khichdi on this auspicious day.
2. Kite Flying. One of the most exciting and vibrant highlights of Makar Sankranti is kite flying that is predominantly observed in cities of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. People decorate their kites or opt for different sizes and colours of kites especially for the festival. In Gujarat, the International Kite Flying festival is a major attraction for the visitors across the globe.
3. Khichdi, Pulses, and Sesame Seeds Donation. People in the northern region of India prepare prashad made from ingredients such as pulses, jaggery and sesame seeds. They donate and also eat this prasad after offering it to the Sun God.
4. Holy Dip in Magh Mela at Triveni Sangam. People often head towards Triveni Sangam near Prayagraj during Makar Sankranti festival. Taking a holy bath in the sacred waters of Triveni Sangam that is the confluence point of 3 rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati is considered auspicious on this day.
A holy dip on Makar Sankranti brings good luck in abundance and also washes off one’s sins.
Makar Sankranti Celebrations in Different States of India
Makar Sankranti is celebrated in various indigenous ways in India, however, there are few places where celebration is grand and totally worth witnessing. Take a look at some of the best places in India where you can grab a kaleidoscopic view of this festival. Also find the details on how to reach all these places in India conveniently.
In Uttar Pradesh, the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great fervour. Triveni Sangam near Prayagraj which was earlier known as Allahabad is a perfect pick as the festivities here are unique and vibrant. Every year, Magh Mela is hosted here when thousands of people visit the ghats of river Ganges to take a holy dip on this auspicious day.
Read More : fascinating Makar Sankranti Facts
Makar Sankranti Celebration In Uttar Pradesh
How To Reach Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Nearest Airport. Bamrauli Airport (IXD)
- Nearest Railhead. Prayagraj Railway Station
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Makar Sankranti Celebration In Delhi, Haryana
In Delhi and Haryana people prepare kheer, bajre ki khichdi and halwa. On this special day, brothers visit their sister’s home and give warm clothes to her family.
How To Reach Delhi and Haryana
- Nearest Airport.. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)
- Nearest Railhead. New Delhi Railway Station
In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is observed as Lohri and celebrated a day before. During this festival, people light a bonfire and dance around it. They also offer revri, gajak, gur and popcorn to God of Fire to seek his blessings and ward off negativity from their life.
Makar Sankranti Celebration In Punjab
How To Reach Amristar, Punjab
- Nearest Airport. Shri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport (ATQ)
- Nearest Railhead. Amritsar Railway Station
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great fervour. The International Kite festival is organised on this occasion which is one of the top attractions of the state.
Makar Sankranti Celebration In Gujarat
How To Reach Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Nearest Airport. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD
- Nearest Railhead. Ahmedabad Railway Station
Makar Sankranti Celebration In West Bengal
In the West Bengal region, a massive Gangasagar Fair is organised every year when thousands of pilgrims visit here to take a sacred bath in the river. It is considered as the second largest human congregation in the world after Kumbh Mela. Also, the tradition of donating til after taking bath is considered auspicious on Makar Sankranti.
How To Reach Kolkata, West Bengal
- Nearest Airport. Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport (CCU)
- Nearest Railhead. Kolkata Chitpur Railway Station
Makar Sankranti Celebration In TamilNadu
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal and the festivity extends upto four days. The festival holds immense religious and spiritual significance in the region and various rituals are followed which are unique to discover.
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How To Reach Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Nearest Airport. Madras International Meenambakkam Airport (MAA)
- Nearest Railhead. Dr MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station
Makar Sankranti Celebration In Rajasthan
People of Rajasthan make sweets such as gajak til-patti, puwa, and peeni to mark the celebration. Also, kite flying is a prominent feature on this day in this part of the country.
How To Reach Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Nearest Airport. Jaipur International Sanganer Airport (JAI)
- Nearest Railhead. Jaipur Junction
Makar Sankranti Celebration In Assam
In Assam, it is known as Magh Bihu, where people prepare rice cakes, til pitha and laru which are some of the popular traditional dishes made for the feast.
How to Reach Guwahati, Assam
- Nearest Airport. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU)
- Nearest Railhead. Guwahati Railway Station
Makar Sankranti Celebration In Maharashtra
In Maharashtra ladies prepare puran poli, multi-coloured sugar syrup coated halwa, and til-gul laddoo for Sankranti.
How to Reach Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Nearest Airport. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
- Nearest Railhead. Bombay Central
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Makar Sankranti 2025
Q1. When is Makar Sankranti in 2025?
A1. Makar Sankranti in 2025 falls on Tuesday, January 14. The date is determined by the Sun’s transition into the Capricorn zodiac (Makara Rashi), marking the start of its northward journey or Uttarayan.
Q2. Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
A2. Makar Sankranti celebrates the Sun's transition into Capricorn, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of longer days. It is a harvest festival observed to thank nature for a bountiful harvest and marks the Sun God Surya’s importance in sustaining life on earth.
Q3. What are the key rituals and traditions of Makar Sankranti?
A3. Key rituals of Makar Sankranti include:
- Taking holy dips in rivers like the Ganges to cleanse sins.
- Flying kites in Gujarat and Rajasthan during Uttarayan.
- Exchanging sweets like sesame seeds and jaggery (tilgul) in Maharashtra, symbolizing harmony.
- Cooking Pongal in Tamil Nadu to offer to the Sun God.
- Lighting bonfires and dancing around them in Punjab during Lohri.
Q4. How is Makar Sankranti different across India?
A4. Makar Sankranti is celebrated uniquely across India:
- In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal with festive meals and offerings.
- In Punjab, it coincides with Lohri, featuring bonfires and folk songs.
- In Gujarat and Rajasthan, people celebrate Uttarayan with vibrant kite-flying competitions.
- In Maharashtra, tilgul sweets are shared to spread goodwill.
Q5. What is the significance of sesame seeds and jaggery in Makar Sankranti?
A5. Sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur) hold symbolic and nutritional value during Makar Sankranti. They represent unity and sweetness in relationships. Consuming these traditional sweets in winter provides warmth, boosts energy, and promotes health, aligning with the festival’s theme of well-being and togetherness.
