When Is Makar Sankranti 2025? Date, Shubh Muhurat, History, Significance And Celebration In Maharashtra

Last Updated:January 13, 2025, 10:10 IST

Makar Sankranti 2025: The auspicious timing for Makar Sankranti Puja is the Punya Kala from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM and the highly significant Maha Punya Kala from 9:03 AM to 10:38 AM.

Makar Sankranti, the popular Hindu festival, is celebrated in the month of January every year to mark the beginning of the harvest season and the sun’s passage into Capricorn, indicating the arrival of warmer days and the end of the severe cold. After Makar Sankranti, the days begin to get bigger and this era of Uttarayan lasts around six months.

The harvest festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm around the country, however, the rituals and names might differ as per the geographical location. Pousha Sankranti in West Bengal, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab and Magh Bihu in Assam are among the festivals celebrated throughout India.

ALSO READ: Festivals Of India 2025: Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal & Bihu – Celebrations, Rituals, Recipes & Wishes

Makar Sankranti 2025 Date and Shubh Muhurat

• According to Drik Panchang, Makar Sankranti will be commemorated on January 14 throughout the country.
• The auspicious timing for Makar Sankranti Puja this year is the Punya Kala from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM and the highly significant Maha Punya Kala from 9:03 AM to 10:38 AM.

Makar Sankranti History and Significance

• The festival’s history dates back to ancient times considering the significance of agriculture in our country. During Makar Sankranti, Hindus take a bath in sacred rivers like Ganga and Yamuna.
• It is believed that those who die during this period of Uttarayan get salvation from the cycle of death and birth. Also, as per a popular saying, the festival is also associated with the birth of deity Narashansathe first preceptor of righteousness in Kaliyuga and a predecessor to Kalki, the final avatar of Lord Vishnu.
• According to a Hindu legend, Bhishma Pitamah, a key figure in the Mahabharata, left his mortal coil during Uttarayan, making the day auspicious and meaningful.
• On this day, it is believed that Lord Vishnu defeated the demon Sankarasura.

How Is Makar Sankranti Celebrated In Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, the festival is commemorated for three days, each day having its own significance:

1. The first day is called Bhogi, during which people offer prayers to the sun deity and fly kites on their terrace or on an open ground. On this day, people also burn their old clothes, which signifies letting go of their past.
2. The second day is celebrated as Sankranti, during which married women gather for Haldi-Kumkum, a celebration in which they give presents, apply turmeric and vermillion to each other’s foreheads and dress traditionally.
3. The last day is known as Kinkrant, during which Devi defeated a demon called Kinkarasur.
4. During Makar Sankranti people clean their homes and wear new traditional clothes.
5. Also, they cook several delicacies including Halwa, Pooran Poli and Til-Gul laddoo.

Makar Sankranti: 10 Foods Prepared In Different Parts Of India

1. Til Ke Laddoo: Til Ke Laddoo is one of the most popular desserts prepared during Makar Sankranti as Sesame is considered auspicious and provides warmth to the body during winter.
2. Gur Rewari: Another popular food item prepared during the festivities is Gur Rewari which is made from Jaggery and Sesame seeds.
3. Undhiyu: This one is a popular dish in Gujarat made with a variety of vegetables and spices. It is considered healthy due to its high fiber content and high nutritional value.
4. Puran Poli: Puran Poli is a sweet Indian flatbread made with jaggery, flour, lentils and cardamoms. It is quite popular in Maharashtra.
5. Chikki: Next on the list is Chikki, which is both crunchy and sweet, and is prepared by mixing peanuts and jaggery. It is among the most popular snacks during Makar Sankranti, especially in the North region.
6. Til Pitha: Made with rice flour, sesame seeds, jaggery and coconut, it is a traditional dish prepared during Magh Bihu in Assam.
7. Urad Dal Ki Khichdi: This one is the most common food item prepared around the country during the Makar Sankranti festivities. It is said that it will bring happiness and joy to your family.
8. Kheer: This traditional Indian dessert is a staple for many households during every festival. Made with rice, milk, sugar and cardamom, Kheer will add a sweet touch to your Makar Sankranti celebrations.
9. Patishapta: In West Bengal, during Poush Sankranti people prepare this popular sweet dish for their loved ones. These are actually rice pancakes stuffed with coconut mixture, Khoya and jaggery.
10. Makara Chaula: This popular dessert from Odisha is made with rice and a mixture of various fruits. It is also offered to Surya Dev as a part of the rituals.

Have a Happy Makar Sankranti 2025.