Makar Sankranti 2025: Date, Check Its Significance, Holiday Status Across India and Auspicious Time

Makar Sankranti is a highly auspicious festival that symbolises new beginnings and prosperity. 

It is celebrated annually on January 14, and marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), signifying the commencement of longer days and the end of winter. 

The festival is observed nationwide with diverse regional customs, such as kite flying in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Lohri in Punjab.

In 2025, Makar Sankranti falls on a Tuesday. The Punya Kaal, or auspicious period for rituals, is from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM on January 14. 

While Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated, its status as a public holiday varies across India. 

In several states, it is a designated holiday, allowing communities to engage fully in the festivities. However, in other regions, it may not be officially recognised as a public holiday. 

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Why Makar Sankranti is Celebrated?

Makar Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India, marking the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). This year Makar Sankranti will begin on Tuesday, the 14th of January, from 9:03 AM onwards. This festival is associated with the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti symbolises a time of renewal and gratitude. It marks the end of the winter solstice, heralding longer days and shorter nights as the sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayana) towards the tropic of Capricorn. 

For farmers, this festival represents the conclusion of the harvest season and is an occasion to express thanks for a bountiful yield and to pray for future prosperity.

Furthermore, this festival is dedicated to Surya, the sun god, and is celebrated with various rituals, including taking holy dips in sacred rivers like the Ganges. These rituals are believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual merit.

Makar Sankranti 2025: Date and Auspicious Timings

Makar Sankranti in 2025 will be celebrated on January 14 (Tuesday). This festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and is significant for its association with the harvest season and cultural festivities across India.

Auspicious Timings for Makar Sankranti 2025

• Punya Kaal (Auspicious Period): The Punya Kaal will last from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM on January 14, providing an ideal time for rituals and prayers.
• Sun's Entry into Capricorn: The sun will enter Capricorn at 8:41 AM.
• Ganga Snan Muhurat: The best time for taking a holy dip will be from 8:55 AM to 12:51 PM, with a special auspicious period from 8:55 AM to 9:29 AM known as Amrit Kaal, which is considered highly beneficial for spiritual practices and rituals.

Panchang Details for Jan 14, 2025

• Tithi (Lunar Day): Pratipada until 21:56
• Nakshatra (Constellation): Pushya until 28:57
• Yoga: Vishkumbh until 21:32

Karana:

• First Karana: Balava until 10:06
• Second Karana: Kauvala until 21:56
• Day: Tuesday

Important Timings

• Sunrise: 08:06 AM
• Sunset: 04:13 PM
• Chandrodoy (Moonrise): 04:43 PM
• Chandraast (Moonset): 08:54 AM

Auspicious and Inauspicious Periods

• Gulika Kaal: 12:09 PM to 01:10 PM (not suitable for auspicious activities)
• Yamgand: 10:08 AM to 11:09 AM (avoid starting new ventures)
• Rahu Kaal: 02:11 PM to 03:12 PM (inauspicious time)
• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:53 AM to 12:26 PM (auspicious for important tasks)

Additional Notes

This day marks the beginning of the month of Magha in the Hindu calendar.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated on this day, symbolizing the sun's transition into Capricorn and the onset of longer days.

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Holiday Status of Makar Sankranti Across India

Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 14, 2025, is a public holiday in various states across India. The holiday status varies by region, reflecting local customs and traditions associated with the festival.

Holiday Status by State

• North India: Many states have declared a holiday on January 14, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. This aligns with the extended weekend due to the preceding second Saturday and Sunday.
• Telangana: The Telangana government has announced a five-day holiday from January 13 to January 17 for schools and government offices, celebrating Makar Sankranti along with other regional festivals.
• Tamil Nadu: A six-day holiday has been declared from January 14 to January 19, encompassing Pongal and other related festivities.
• Other States: States like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), Itanagar, Kanpur, and Lucknow will observe a bank holiday on January 14 due to Makar Sankranti and related festivals like Pongal and Magh Bihu.

In regions like Delhi-NCR, banks will remain open as January 14 is not recognized as a holiday there. The closures are observed for various festivals celebrated on the same day, including Pongal and Magh Bihu, alongside Makar Sankranti.

Regional Celebrations and Traditions Associated with Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with a rich tapestry of regional customs and traditions, each adding its unique flavour to the festivities. Here’s a look at how different states celebrate this significant harvest festival:

Regional Celebrations and Traditions

• Gujarat: Known for its grand Uttarayan, Gujarat transforms into a vibrant kite-flying hub. The skies are filled with colourful kites as communities engage in friendly competitions. The festival also features traditional sweets and local delicacies.
• Maharashtra: The celebration includes the exchange of Tilgul, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizing friendship and new beginnings. People also enjoy kite flying, with vibrant fairs showcasing cultural performances like Lavani dance.
• Tamil Nadu: Here, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God. The first day involves cooking the traditional dish Pongal, made from freshly harvested rice, symbolizing abundance. The festivities include colourful rangoli designs and folk dances.
• Punjab: Celebrated as Lohri, it marks the harvest of rabi crops, particularly sugarcane. Large bonfires are lit, and people gather to sing folk songs and perform traditional dances like Bhangra and Gidda. The night before, offerings of sesame seeds and jaggery are thrown into the flames.
• Uttar Pradesh: Makar Sankranti coincides with the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where millions take a holy dip in sacred rivers. The day is marked by rituals meant to wash away sins and bring blessings for the year ahead.
• Bihar and Jharkhand: The festival is associated with preparing Khichdi, a dish made from rice and lentils. Makar Sankranti Melas (fairs) are held where people celebrate with local handicrafts and traditional foods.
• West Bengal: Celebrated with spiritual fervour, many gather at the Ganges for a holy dip. People prepare til patti, a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, offering it to the Sun God while engaging in devotional chants.
• Uttarakhand: Known as Khichdi Sankranti, it involves offering khichdi to deities and preparing traditional sweets. People visit temples to pray, marking the beginning of the harvesting season for local crops.
• Telangana: Unique traditions include performances by Haridasu (devotees of Lord Vishnu) and Gangireddu (decorated bulls), who go house to house singing devotional songs. Kite flying is also popular here, along with vibrant rangoli competitions.

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