Mumbai: Makar Sankranti holds a significant place in Hindu culture. This festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). Celebrated with devotion, people take holy dips in sacred rivers and donate to the needy. According to Hindu scriptures, bathing in holy rivers and donating on this day is believed to bring immense spiritual benefits.
As per the Panchang, in 2025, the Sun will enter Capricorn on January 14 at 9:03 AM, and Makar Sankranti will be observed on the same day. Although the festival is celebrated across the country, its customs and traditions vary widely. Let’s explore how different states in India celebrate Makar Sankranti.
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival dedicated to agriculture and prosperity. Farmers decorate their bulls and perform rituals to honour them. Special prayers are offered for agricultural productivity. The festival highlights gratitude to nature, and delicacies like Pongal (a sweet dish) are prepared and shared.
In Kerala, Makar Sankranti is known as Makara Vilakku. A celestial light known as the Makara Jyoti is visible near the Sabarimala temple, attracting millions of devotees.
In Karnataka, the festival is called Ellu Birodhu, where women exchange small packets of sesame seeds, jaggery, sugarcane, and coconut with at least ten families. This symbolises goodwill and harmony.
In Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is a three-day celebration marked by vibrant traditions. Old household items are discarded and replaced with new ones. The festival signifies renewal and prosperity.
In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi. The day is marked by fairs, especially at Sri Muktsar Sahib. People sing, dance, and enjoy traditional foods like khichdi, jaggery, and kheer.
In Gujarat, the festival is called Uttarayan, a two-day celebration. Kite festivals dominate the skyline, with colourful kites filling the air. Popular dishes like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and chikki (a sweet made from jaggery and sesame seeds) are savoured.
In Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh, the festival is known as Sankrant. Women observe rituals by giving gifts to 13 married women, including household items, food, or ornaments. This tradition symbolises goodwill and prosperity.
Makar Sankranti is deeply rooted in spirituality. Bathing in sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari is believed to cleanse one’s sins. Donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the underprivileged is considered highly meritorious.
| Event | Date | Time |
| Sun enters Capricorn | January 14, 2025 | 09:03 |
| Makar Sankranti | January 14, 2025 | All Day |
Makar Sankranti is not just a festival but a unifying event that reflects India’s rich cultural diversity. From Tamil Nadu’s Pongal to Gujarat’s Uttarayan, every state adds its unique flavour, making the celebrations vibrant and inclusive. Embrace the spirit of joy, charity, and renewal this Makar Sankranti 2025.
