Makar Sankranti 2025: Know the Auspicious Timings, Date, Significance, Rituals, and the Start of New Harvest and Good Deeds

Makar Sankranti is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated on January 14 each year. This day marks the entry of the Sun into Capricorn. This festival holds special importance in worshipping Sun God, Moon God, and Lord Vishnu.

Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?

Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival celebrated on 14th January. On this day, the Sun transitions northward (Uttarayan), marking a period considered auspicious for spiritual practices and good deeds. It is also known as Uttarayan Sankranti. Bathing in holy rivers, making donations, and flying kites are considered important on this day. Makar Sankranti is celebrated differently across India, with diverse traditions and customs. It also signifies the arrival of the new harvest and the onset of the spring season. Regional delicacies like dahi-chura, khichdi, and sesame laddoos are prepared to mark the occasion.

Makar Sankranti 2025: Date and Timings

• Festival Date: January 14, 2025
• Sun’s Transition into Capricorn: 9:03 AM
• Punya Kaal (Auspicious Period): 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM
• Maha Punya Kaal: 9:03 AM to 10:48 AM

Religious and Astrological Significance of Makar Sankranti

On Makar Sankranti day the Sun moves from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere, which makes the days to come longer. It is considered a new beginning for auspicious works. According to Vedic astrology, the Sun’s entry into Capricorn brings prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Performing holy baths, making donations, and offering prayers to the Sun God on this day can remove various planetary doshas (afflictions) and bring positive energy.

Rituals and Rules for Makar Sankranti

1. Start the day with a bath, preferably in a holy river, or mix Ganga water with your bathwater at home for purification.
2. Worship the Sun God by offering water and recite the "Surya Chalisa" or "Aditya Hridaya Stotra" for blessings.
3. Donate essentials like food grains, blankets, sesame seeds, ghee, and copper utensils to the needy.
4. Offering mustard oil on this day helps mitigate Shani (Saturn) and Rahu-related doshas.

An Auspicious Day for New Beginnings : Makar Sankranti is considered one of the most favorable days to start new ventures or undertakings. It also symbolizes the arrival of the new harvest and the spring season. On this sacred occasion, gather with your loved ones, perform rituals, and contribute to social welfare by helping the underprivileged. Make the most of this festival by embracing its spiritual significance and cultural richness.