Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. This sacred event signifies the sun's shift into the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makara). In 2025, Makar Sankranti falls on Tuesday, January 14, beginning at 9:03 AM. It signifies the end of winter and the start of the harvest season, bringing joy and new beginnings.
The Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti symbolizes renewal and gratitudeIt signifies the conclusion of the winter solstice and the onset of longer days as the sun commences its northward progression, referred to as Uttarayana. This period is considered highly auspicious. For farmers, it is a time to celebrate the harvest and express thanks for the abundance of nature. The festival also pays tribute to Surya, the sun god, through rituals like taking sacred dips in holy rivers such as the Ganges.
Traditional Foods of Makar Sankranti
The festival is celebrated with a variety of delicious dishes that reflect regional flavours and traditions:
Til Ke Laddoo: These sweet balls, made from sesame seeds and jaggery, are known for their warming properties during the cold season.
Gur Rewari: A delightful confection crafted with jaggery and sesame seeds.
Undhiyu: A wholesome Gujarati dish of mixed vegetables and spices, celebrated for its rich nutritional benefits.
Puran Poli: A traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread made with a filling of jaggery, lentils, and cardamom.
Chikki: A crunchy and sweet treat combining peanuts and jaggery, cherished in northern India.
Til Pitha: An Assamese specialty, prepared with rice flour, sesame seeds, jaggery, and coconut.
Urad Dal Ki Khichdi: A simple yet flavourful dish widely cooked across India during the festival.
Kheer: A creamy and aromatic dessert of rice, milk, and cardamom, a staple for festive celebrations.
Patishapta: A Bengali delicacy featuring rice crepes filled with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and khoya.
Makara Chaula: A traditional Odia dessert made with rice and mixed fruits, offered to the sun god as part of the festival rituals.
Mythological Connections
Makar Sankranti is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, with stories that add depth to its significance:
Reunion of Lord Shani and Surya: The festival celebrates harmony and forgiveness as it commemorates the reunion of Surya and his son, Shani.
King Bhagiratha and Ganga: On this day, Ganga descended to Earth, cleansing King Bhagiratha's ancestors and symbolizing rebirth and purification.
Lord Vishnu’s Victory: The day also honours Lord Vishnu's triumph over demons, signifying the victory of good over evil.
Key Timings for Makar Sankranti 2025
Punya Kaal (Auspicious Period): 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM
Sun's Entry into Capricorn: 8:41 AM
Ganga Snan Muhurta: 8:55 AM to 12:51 PM, with a special Amrit Kaal from 8:55 AM to 9:29 AM.
Panchang Details (January 14, 2025)
Tithi: Pratipada until 9:56 PM
Nakshatra: Pushya until 4:57 AM (next day)
Yoga: Vishkumbha until 9:32 PM
Important Timings
Sunrise: 8:06 AM
Sunset: 4:13 PM
Chandrodaya (Moonrise): 4:43 PM
Chandraast (Moonset): 8:54 AM
Auspicious and Inauspicious Periods
Abhijit Muhurta: 11:53 AM to 12:26 PM (favourable for important tasks)
Rahu Kaal: 2:11 PM to 3:12 PM (avoid starting new ventures)
Yamgand: 10:08 AM to 11:09 AM (inauspicious)
Gulika Kaal: 12:09 PM to 1:10 PM (not suitable for auspicious activities)
Makar Sankranti is a festival that embodies the spirit of gratitude, renewal, and togetherness. Whether through cultural rituals, delicious food, or mythological tales, it offers something special for everyone to cherish.
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