Makar Sankranti 2025: The Festival of Harvest, Kite Flying & Spiritual Awakening

Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival that signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days as the Sun transitions into Capricorn (Makara Rashi). Unlike most Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar cycle and is observed on January 14th or 15th every year.

The Spiritual & Astronomical Significance

This festival marks the movement of the Sun into the northern hemisphere, also known as Uttarayan. It is considered an auspicious time for spiritual growth, charity, and new beginnings. Many devotees take holy dips in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari to cleanse their sins.

Regional Variations & Celebrations Across India

• Uttar Pradesh & Bihar: Known as Khichdi Parva, people take a dip in rivers, offer prayers, and prepare khichdi.
• Maharashtra: People exchange tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) with the greeting "Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola" (Take sesame sweets and speak sweetly).
• Punjab: Celebrated as Lohri the night before, with bonfires, bhangra dance, and revri (sesame candy).
• Gujarat & Rajasthan: Marked by international kite flying competitions, filling the sky with colorful kites.
• Tamil Nadu: Celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival with special rice dishes.
• Bengal: Observed as Poush Sankranti, featuring delicious pithe-puli (sweet rice cakes).

Traditional Foods & Rituals

• Tilgul & Chikki: Made from sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizing warmth and unity.
• Khichdi: A wholesome dish made of rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables.
• Bonfires & Kite Flying: A sign of bidding farewell to winter and embracing positivity.
• Charity & Donations: Giving food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy is considered sacred.

Makar Sankranti 2025: Dates & Best Places to Experience

In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 14th. Some of the best places to experience the festivities include:

• Ahmedabad, Gujarat: International Kite Festival
• Haridwar & Prayagraj: Holy river dips and religious rituals
• Jaipur & Jodhpur: Traditional celebrations and grand feasts

Final Thoughts

Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival—it’s a time to express gratitude, embrace new opportunities, and celebrate nature’s cycles. Whether you’re flying kites, making sweets, or taking a holy dip, the spirit of Makar Sankranti brings joy and positivity into everyone’s lives.

? Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous Makar Sankranti 2025! ?