Makar Sankranti is considered one of the most significant occasions in India. It is celebrated with considerable enthusiasm nationwide. This event marks the start of longer days and the end of winter💟. It also marks the Sun's move into the sign of Capricorn (Makara). The Makar Sankranti festival, which is celebrated every year in the middle of January, is a significant event in terms of agriculture, culture, and spirituality.
Date and Time for Makar Sankranti 2025:
The festival of Makar Sankranti will be observed on Wednesday, January 14th, in the year 2025. The exact timing of the event is governed by the ꦏsolar transit into Capricorn, which occurs at the exact moment. Rituals and prayers need to take place within the precise Punya Kaal (auspicious period) and Maha Punya Kaal (most auspicious period), as stated by the Hindu Panchang (calendar).
Solar Transit into Capricorn (Makara Sankranti Moment):
The Sun enters Capricorn on January 14, 2025ꦉ, at 09.03 AM (IST).
Punya Kaal (Auspicious Time):
From 09.03 AM to 05.13 PM (IST).
Maha Punya Kaal:
From 09.03 AM to 10.52 AM (IST).
Believing they will bring benefits and prosperity, 🦹devotees often ༒pray, carry out ceremonies, and donate to causes at these times.
The Astronomical and Seasonal Significance:
As the Sun begins its ascent northward (Uttarayana), Makar Sankranti marks a turning point in its yearly cycle. The Hindu festival of Uttarayana is thought to herald the heavenly "day of the gods" and 🔜is hence a time of great good fortune.
As the winter solstice draws to a close and the days get longer, this celebration ushers in a new ❀season of hope, warmth, and rebirth. Light triumphing over darkness and hope prevailing over despair are thus embodied in the celebration.
Rituals and Customs:
Holy Bathing:
An important rite is to swim in🔥 holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari. Peopꦫle think it can wash away their sins and give them spiritual merit.
Worship of the Sun:
People who worship Surya (the Sun God) give him water, flowers, and prayers to thank him for his🐭 energy an🍸d warmth.
Charity and Offerings:
People ෴believe that Makar Sankranti is a good time to do daan, which means kindness. Giving people who need it things like se💛same seeds, rice, clothes, and food will be lucky and bring them good things.
Kite Flying:
For people in Gujarat and Rajasthan in particular, flying a kite is a fun activity 💝that represents their freedom and desire toജ soar.
Special Delicacies:
Foods prepared during Makar Sankranti often include sesame and jaggery, believed to generate warmth and energy during the winter. Popular dishes include Tilkut in Bihar, Tilgul Ladoo in Maharashtra, Puran Poli in Karnataka and Maharashtra, Chakkara Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Mythological and Spiritual Importance:
Transition to Uttarayana:
The Sun’s northwa🌠rd journey, Uttarayana, is believed to mark a favourable time for spiritual growth and auspicious events. According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah chose to leave his mortal body during this period, considering it a sacred time for attaining liberation.
Honouring the Sun God:
In Hinduism, the Sun is seen as a god, and Makar Sankranti is a time to recognize 🌳how important it is to life. The event is a celebration of the Sun's warmth, which helps farming and brings wealth.
Modern Relevance:
In modern times, Makar Sankranti helps people feel like they are part of a group. The holiday comes from farming customs, but it goes beyon🌊d religious and cultural lines to spread values of joy, gratitude, and generosity.
Kite flying, which is good for the environment, an🦩d making traditional foods with natural ingredients are two more ways that the event is in line with sustainable living.
Makar Sankranti 2025 isn’t just a festival; it’s all about celebrating the cycles of nature, our creativity, and personal growth♔. As the Sun moves into Capricorn and the days get longer, the festival is a great reminder of all the exciting possibilities that come with change and renewal. Makar Sankranti is all about coming together, whether it's through prayers, charity, or fun gatherings. It really lights up our lives with a sense of hope and harmony.
