Makara Sankranti 2025 A Festival of Renewal With Harvest and Celebration

Makara Sankranti 2025 A Festival of Renewal With Harvest and Celebration  

Makara Sankranti is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India, observed annually on 14th or 15th January, depending on the solar calendar. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and the beginning of its northward journey (Uttarayana). This celestial event signifies the end of the winter solstice and the arrival of longer, warmer days, symbolising renewal, hope, and abundance. In 2025, Makara Sankranti falls on 15th January, promising vibrant festivities and a rich display of cultural heritage.  

The Astronomical and Spiritual Significance of Makara Sankranti  

Makara Sankranti is deeply rooted in the astronomical shift of the Sun’s movement. Unlike many Indian festivals based on the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti follows the solar calendar, making its date fixed every year. The festival celebrates the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, a zodiac sign governed by Saturn (Shani). This celestial alignment is seen as a harmonious moment, where the blessings of the Sun and Saturn combine to foster growth, prosperity, and harmony.  

From a spiritual perspective, Makara Sankranti marks the beginning of the auspicious Uttarayana period, which is believed to be a time of spiritual merit. Hindu scriptures state that Uttarayana is favourable for seeking blessings, performing charitable acts, and embarking on new ventures. The Bhagavad Gita even mentions that departing the mortal world during this period ensures liberation (moksha). This belief adds a sacred dimension to the festival, making it a time for prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness.  

Makara Sankranti Across India  

While the core essence of Makara Sankranti remains the same, its regional expressions are wonderfully diverse. The festival is known by various names and observed with unique customs across the country.  

Pongal in Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, Makara Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival. The highlight is the preparation of a sweet dish called Pongal, made from freshly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk, symbolising prosperity and gratitude to the Sun God.  

Lohri in Punjab: In Punjab, the evening before Makara Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, a festival of bonfires, music, and dance. Families gather around the bonfire, offering sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts, and singing traditional songs to welcome the harvest season.  

Uttarayan in Gujarat: In Gujarat, the festival is synonymous with kite flying. The sky is filled with colourful kites as people celebrate the Sun’s ascent with joy and camaraderie.  

Magh Bihu in Assam: In Assam, the festival is celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, a harvest festival featuring community feasts, traditional games, and bonfires.  

Sankranthi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Makara Sankranti is marked by the exchange of sweets made from sesame and jaggery, symbolising unity and goodwill. Traditional dishes like Ellu Bella, Yellu Unde, and Kajjaya are prepared, and homes are decorated with rangoli.  

Makara Sankranti 2025: A Festival of Togetherness  

In 2025, Makara Sankranti continues to be a time for family, community, and cultural celebration. The festival will likely be marked by traditional rituals, delicious food, and joyous gatherings that strengthen social bonds and celebrate the harvest season.  

Rituals and Customs  

Makara Sankranti is characterised by a variety of rituals that vary across regions but share a common thread of gratitude and renewal.  

1. Taking Holy Dips: One of the most sacred practices during Makara Sankranti is taking a holy dip in rivers, especially the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari. This act is believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul, aligning the individual with divine energies.  

2. Offering Prayers : Devotees offer prayers to Surya (the Sun God), expressing gratitude for his life-giving light and energy. Houses are adorned with fresh flowers and rangoli, and lamps are lit to invoke blessings.  

3. Exchange of Sweets: In many parts of India, families exchange sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, accompanied by the phrase, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” in Marathi, meaning “Take these sesame sweets and speak sweetly.” This act signifies harmony and the sweetness of relationships.  

4. Cattle Worship: In agricultural communities, cattle, regarded as invaluable partners in farming, are honoured and decorated. They are bathed, adorned with garlands, and fed special food as a mark of respect.  

Culinary Delights  

Makara Sankranti is incomplete without its sumptuous festive foods, which vary from region to region but share a focus on freshly harvested ingredients. In Karnataka, the festival’s culinary highlights include:  

Ellu Bella: A mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and coconut, distributed as part of the festive tradition.  

Sakkare Acchu: Intricate sugar figurines made from sugarcane juice, adding a sweet touch to the celebrations.  

Kajjaya : Crispy rice flour and jaggery fritters, a delightful festive treat.  

Yellu Unde : Nutritious sesame and jaggery laddus, symbolising unity and goodwill.  

These dishes not only delight the palate but also reflect the region’s agricultural richness and the creativity of its culinary traditions.  

Modern-Day Celebrations  

While the essence of Makara Sankranti remains rooted in tradition, the ways it is celebrated have evolved to incorporate modern sensibilities. Urban families often gather for potluck meals, where traditional dishes are shared alongside contemporary interpretations of festive recipes. Kite-flying competitions in cities have become large-scale events, attracting participants from all walks of life.  

Social media also plays a significant role in spreading festive cheer. Families and friends share photographs, greetings, and stories about their celebrations, connecting people across geographical boundaries and keeping the spirit of the festival alive.  

Sustainability and Makara Sankranti  

As the world becomes more conscious of environmental concerns, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices during festivals like Makara Sankranti. Eco-friendly rangoli colours, biodegradable kites, and the use of natural ingredients in festive preparations are becoming popular choices. Additionally, there is an increased awareness of minimising food waste and sharing surplus with those in need, aligning the festival’s themes of generosity and sharing with modern values of sustainability.  

The Universal Appeal of Makara Sankranti  

Though deeply rooted in Indian culture, the essence of Makara Sankranti has a universal appeal. The festival’s themes of renewal, gratitude, and community resonate with people worldwide, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. In a world often marked by division and discord, the spirit of Makara Sankranti serves as a reminder of the importance of harmony, kindness, and togetherness.  

Conclusion  

Makara Sankranti 2025 is set to be a vibrant celebration of tradition, renewal, and joy. As families come together to honour the Sun’s journey, give thanks for the harvest, and share the sweetness of life, the festival will continue to uphold its timeless values. Whether through traditional rituals, delicious foods, or modern-day innovations, Makara Sankranti remains a beautiful expression of India’s rich cultural tapestry.  

As the Sun begins its northward journey, bringing longer days and brighter skies, the festival reminds us of life’s cyclical nature and the promise of new beginnings. Makara Sankranti is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, community, and the enduring spirit of gratitude that unites us all.