Makar Sankranti: Date, Spiritual Meaning, and Festive Traditions

Makar Sankranti, also called Sankranti or Makar Sankrant, is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to Lord Surya (the Sun God). In 2025, Makar Sankranti falls on January 14, with the Punyakaal, the time for puja and holy bathing, starting at 3:26 PM. In Western India, the Punyakaal begins slightly earlier, at 2:50 PM. This day marks the sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), symbolizing the transition to Uttarayana Punyakalam and the arrival of the spring season.

What is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a solar festival based on the movement of the sun. The term “Makar” refers to Capricorn, and “Sankranti” means “transition.” The festival marks the day the sun transitions into Capricorn, signifying its entry into the Northern Hemisphere. This shift heralds the six-month-long Uttarayana, an auspicious period for Hindus.

Makar Sankranti is typically observed on January 14 or 15. Unlike most Hindu festivals, which follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar cycle, leading to a relatively fixed date. Over time, however, this date gradually shifts. A decade ago, the festival was observed on January 12 or 13, and in the future, it is expected to fall on January 16 or later.

Worship and Observance

On Makar Sankranti, Lord Surya, the visible form of Brahman (Pratyaksha-Brahman), is worshipped. This form of nature worship acknowledges the sun’s life-giving energy as the ultimate source of existence.

Rituals and Celebrations:

Holy Bathing: Devotees take a holy dip at sacred locations such as the Sangam in Allahabad (Prayagraj) and various Ganga ghats. This ritual is believed to cleanse sins and aid in attaining Moksha (salvation). The festival is also an important bathing date during the Kumbh Mela and Magh Mela.

Special Foods: Dishes made from freshly harvested grains are prepared and shared. Common ingredients include jaggery, rice, sugarcane, sesame seeds, and milk. Sesame, in particular, is significant for maintaining body warmth during winter.

Spiritual Significance: Uttarayana, the daytime of the gods (Devas), begins on Makar Sankranti. This period is considered ideal for auspicious activities.

Legends

Bhishma’s Death (Mahabharata): Bhishma Pitamaha chose to leave his mortal body during Uttarayana, a period believed to grant liberation (Moksha) by merging with Brahman.

Vishnu and the Asuras: Lord Vishnu is said to have buried the Asuras (demons) beneath the Mandara Mountain on this day, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over evil. 

King Bhagiratha: According to legend, King Bhagiratha brought the Ganga to Patala (the netherworld) on Makar Sankranti to grant salvation to his ancestors. 

Surya and Shani: Puranas state that on Makar Sankranti, Surya visits his son Shani, highlighting the importance of familial bonds.

Regional Variations in India

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with diverse traditions across India:

West Bengal: Ganga Sagar Mela, Tusu Puja, and Pithe Parbon.

Assam: Bhogali Bihu and Tusu Puja.

Odisha: Makar Mela.

Uttarakhand: Ghughuti or Kale Kauwa.

Mithila Region: Tila Sankranti.

Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh: Maghi.

North India: Lohri and Khichdi Parv.

Central India: Sankranti.

Tamil Nadu: Pongal (four-day festival).

Andhra Pradesh: Sankranthi (four-day festival).

Karnataka: Sankranti or Ellu Bella.

Maharashtra: Makar Sankranti and Tilgul, known for Bhogichi Bhaji.

Kerala: Makaravilakku, marking the end of the Sabarimala Pilgrimage.

Gujarat and Rajasthan: Uttarayan, celebrated with kite flying.

Did You Know?

Certain temples, like the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple near Bangalore, are designed so that sunlight falls directly on the deity’s idol on Makar Sankranti.

Dahi Chura, made with rice flakes and yogurt, is a popular dish in some regions.

In Himachal Pradesh, residents of 10 villages near Manali observe 42 days of silence starting from Makar Sankranti.

In the 17th century, Makar Sankranti occurred around January 9. By the 27th century, it will shift to January 23.