Makar Sankranti 2025: Makar Sankranti has immense religious and spiritual significance in Sanatan Dharma. On this day, Sun God enters Capricorn from Sagittarius, which is considered a symbol of spiritual awakening along with astronomical changes. Let us tell you that in Indian culture, the month of January also symbolizes the beginning of the new year and the festival of Makar Sankranti. This year Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Tuesday, 14 January. This festival indicates the entry of Sun into Capricorn. There is a religious belief that during this astronomical change, the Sun becomes Uttarayan, which increases positive energy and auspicious works.

Spiritual relation between Bhishma Pitamah and Makar Sankranti

Let us tell you that in Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah had the boon of euthanasia. He waited for the Sun to become Uttarayan because Uttarayan is considered an auspicious period for attaining salvation. It is said in religious texts that death in Uttarayan leads to salvation, whereas death in Dakshinayan binds one in the cycle of rebirth.

Importance of Uttarayan

Let us tell you that Uttarayan is the process of the Sun crossing the Tropic of Capricorn and moving towards the Northern Hemisphere. According to Vedic belief, Uttarayan is considered the day of the gods and Dakshinayan is considered the night of the gods. It is also called Devyaan and Pitriyan. Auspicious works done during Uttarayan like charity, penance, sadhana and chanting mantras give special virtue.

Must do these 6 things on Makar Sankranti

• Holy Bath: Taking bath in holy rivers like Ganga and Yamuna is considered very auspicious. If it is not possible then mix sesame seeds in the bath water and take bath.
• Surya Arghya: Mix water, red flowers and sesame seeds in a copper pot and offer it to the Sun God.
• Donation of sesame and jaggery: Donating sesame and jaggery gives special virtue.
• Enjoy Khichdi: Offer Khichdi and sesame-jaggery prasad to the Sun God and distribute it among others.
• Mantra chanting: Recite the mantra 'Om Suryaaya Namah' or 'Om Namo Bhagavate Suryaaya'
• Donation: Donate food, clothes and money to the needy.

(Disclaimer: The information given here is based on general beliefs and information. It is important to mention here that we do not confirm any information.)