Makar Sankranti 2025: Date, Time, Significance & Traditions

Makar Sankranti is among the prominent harvest festivals observed across India. It marks the change in the position of the sun into the Makar zodiac sign or Capricorn. This joyous occasion is celebrated to mark not only the ending of the winter season but also the lengthening of the days symbolising optimism and prosperity. January 14 Tuesday is Makar Sankranti in 2025 and it is observed through family get-togethers feasting on meals, flying kites, and practicing other local traditions.
This blog will explain Makar Sankranti’s date and time in 2025, the importance of this festival, and the traditions that are adored by millions of people.
Makar Sankranti 2025 Quick Info.
| Festival Name | Marks the end of winter and the onset of longer days; symbolize hope, prosperity, and harvest. |
|---|---|
| Date | January 14, 2025 (Tuesday) |
| Tithi (Panchang) | Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the day of Makara Sankranti Tithi. |
| Zodiac Transition | Transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar) |
| Significance | Marks the end of winter and the onset of longer days; symbolizes hope, prosperity, and harvest. |
| Traditional Foods | Puran Poli, Til Ladoo, Sesame seeds, Jaggery, and various regional delicacies. |
| Rituals and Customs | Taking holy dips in rivers, performing pujas, flying kites, and preparing special meals. |
| Regional Celebrations | Different names and customs, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. |
| Cultural Activities | Kite flying competitions, fairs, and community gatherings. |
| Charitable Acts | Donations and acts of charity to the needy, especially food items made from sesame and jaggery. |
What is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is devoted to the God Sun or Surya. The festival also symbolises the starting of a six-month auspicious period for Hindus called the Uttarayana period. It is considered a significant period for spiritual practices.
On the occasion of Makara Sankranthi, lakhs of people take a holy dip at the Sangam – the confluence of Ganga and Jamuna. The holy dip is considered to result in the forgiveness of past sins. People also submit their prayers to God Surya and thank them for their wealth and triumph. As per the Hindu calendar, there are 12 Sankranti in a year. Out of all the Sankranti, Makar Sankranti is considered the most significant one and is celebrated throughout the country.
Makar Sankranti 2025 Date & Time
- Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, January 14, 2025
- Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal – 09:03 AM to 05:46 PM
- Duration – 08 Hours 42 Minutes
- Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal – 09:03 AM to 10:48 AM
- Duration – 01 Hour 45 Minutes
List of Sankranti Dates in 2025 in India
| Date | Day | Festival Name |
| 14 January 2025 | Tuesday | Makar Sankranti/Pongal |
| 12 February 2025 | Wednesday | Kumbha Sankranti |
| 14 March 2025 | Friday | Meena Sankranti |
| 14 April 2025 | Monday | Mesha Sankranti |
| 15 May 2025 | Thursday | Vrishabha Sankranti |
| 14 to 16 June 2025 | Saturday to Monday | Mithuna Sankranti |
| 16 July 2025 | Wednesday | Karka Sankranti |
| 17 August 2025 | Sunday | Simha Sankranti |
| 17 September 2025 | Wednesday | Kanya Sankranti |
| 17 October 2025 | Friday | Tula Sankranti |
| 16 November 2025 | Sunday | Vrischika Sankranti |
| 16 December 2025 | Tuesday | Dhanu Sankranti |
Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is an important festival for Hindus as it celebrates the entry of the sun into Capricorn (Makara Rashi). This is believed to mark the end of an eight-month long winter and the onset of spring pointing towards the process of new beginnings and spiritual regeneration. It is also the most celebrated harvest function as thanks towards the end of the winter “rabi” crop season is observed, in appreciation for the successful harvests harvesting thanks crops that helps feed populations.
Many of the devotees offer holy dips into sacred rivers, wherein bathing on this day is believed to cleanse the spirit and eradicate all sins. Also, the custom of kite flying especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan cultures, adds up to the feeling of happiness and the sense of oneness within the community.
It is also during Makar Sankranti that people practice charity and often share with others traditional edibles made from jaggery and sesame seeds which are a sign of charity and goodwill. All in all, this sparkling festival incorporates and embraces various practices and customs of people throughout India’s various states looking at it from the perspective of culture.
Related Read:- Pausha Putrada Ekadashi 2025: Date, Significance, and History
Meaning of Kite Flying During Makar Sankranti
Kite flying which correlates with Makar Sankranti is a bright and colourful tradition that signifies a time when the days are longer and harvest season is here. As it is the festival of the sun moving into Capricorn, people harvest and celebrate in unison. This beautiful festival is not just about harvesting; it denotes the rising of clouds and the boost of the sun, which is necessary for farming. The image of kites is nothing but a sweet recollection of cheerful flourishing seasons that frost the Almighty Nature.
Apart from its agricultural benefits, kite flying brings about unity and togetherness. People come out together with their families, friends, and neighbors for kite-flying fights and this makes one happy tinderbox. The rival to lift the kite higher than the opponents or to pop the other kite gathers all as the essence of creating unforgettable joys in the avocations owed to kite flying. Interaction comes to be one of the highlights of the festival as it promotes bonding and fun among those involved at the same time.
As well as being an enjoyable pastime, kite flying in the Festival Of Makar Sankranti has more dimensions that are more than just fun-filled activities. It is the calling of the prayers and pujas to the skies with the kite that has its heavenly significance for flying kites.
Benefits of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the most revered festivals in India that is associated with the movement of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign. India broadly celebrates this festival with a lot of zeal. This festival also marks the weave that makes people close since it is the end of short days and a cold winter. It brings people together and they support each other by practicing kite flying, sharing dishes, and participating in festival events. The activities of the festivals help in bonding and promote happiness.
On a general note, Makar Sankranti is of great significance as it urges people to self-examine and invoke power that can bless them for gains and health. This is why additional people get involved in specific activities such as taking a dip in holy rivers wherein doing this, it is believed one’s sins are washed away. This practice represents a clean slate and serves as a chance to channel positive energy. The festival occurs when the crops are harvested which helps the people appreciate crops as well as the farmers reinforcing the aspects of crops and spirituality.
Apart from being relevant from the point of culture and religion, Makar Sankranti does good not only to individuals but also to the entire society, Makar Sankranti. Conventional programs for this season like sesame seeds and jaggery offered.
Conclusion:
Makar Sankranti is an annual Indian celebration that is often found at the center of the socio-cultural and religious practices of the country. A Makar Sankranti comes on 14th January 2025 which is the day the sun departs for the zodiac sign of Capricorn marking longer days following winter. Hopes, abundance, and joy of the harvest – these elements are the ones that bring together families and the society at large, through such customs and Close festivals as kite flying, customary dishes and their associates as well as rituals.
This festival, as much celebration as it is, also persuades people to think, to give thanks, and to try to get along with other people. The time of rejoicing and celebrating it is nearly here with us, and so last, let us all learn from the different rich traditions and meanings and nurture togetherness and goodwill.
FAQs:
Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, 2025.
Makar Sankranti signifies the transition of the sun into Capricorn, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season, symbolizing hope and prosperity.
Traditional foods include Puran Poli, Til Ladoo, sesame seeds, jaggery, and various regional delicacies.
Kite flying symbolises joy and community spirit, celebrating the arrival of spring and longer days while fostering unity among families and friends.
Common rituals include taking holy dips in rivers, performing pujas, flying kites, and sharing traditional meals with family and friends.






