Makar Sankranti 2025 Celebrations In India: Know The Rituals & Significance; Is It A Bank Holiday?

Makar Sankranti, one of India's most celebrated festivals, marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn. This harvest festival is observed across the country as an ode to the new harvest of the season. While it is known as Makar Sankranti in the north, it is celebrated by different names in various regions: Pongal in the south, Bihu in the east, and Uttarayan in the west. Despite the different names, the traditions remain largely the same-it is a time for family gatherings, festive celebrations, and prayers. Makar Sankranti signifies the end of the winter harvest and the start of the rabi crop season in India. Farmers across the nation take this opportunity to celebrate the completion of the harvest and offer thanks for a prosperous season.

Date and Timing of Makar Sankranti 2025

Makar Sankranti usually falls on 14th January every year as the sun enters Capricorn, which is Makar Rashi (Zodiac) in Sanskrit. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season in india. People usually perform religious ceremonies on this day on the Punya Kaal Muhurta which begin at 09:03 AM and end at 06:21 PM according to Drikpanchang.

Makar Sankranti Rituals Across States

In many regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra, people fly colorful kites as part of the festivities. The International Kite Festival in Gujarat is one of the biggest attractions.A lot of tourists visit the famous Rann of Kutch to experience the kite festival.

In Punjab and Haryana, this festival is called by the name of Lohri and is celebrated mostly on 13th January or 14th January with bonfires, dancing, and singing traditional songs, celebrating the new harvest and the year.

One of the most popular foods on this day is Til Gur (a mixture of sesame and jaggery), which is eaten and exchanged, especially in Maharashtra and North Indian states. While in the south of India, the people prefer having pongal, which is eaten mostly In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, the preparation of 'Pongal' rice is common.

People take dips in sacred rivers like the Ganges, believing it purifies the body and soul. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God, thanking him for the bountiful harvest.

Regional Celebrations in India

• Uttarayan in Gujarat: The International Kite Festival held in Gujarat is a spectacular celebration, attracting tourists from around the world. The skies are filled with thousands of kites in different colors and designs.
• Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh: Pongal, celebrated for four days, involves preparing sweet rice and offering it to the Sun God. It's also a time for family gatherings and traditional dance performances.
• Lohri in Punjab: This festival is marked by bonfires, Bhangra and Gidda dances, and special foods like til and jaggery.
• Magh Bihu in Assam: The people of Assam celebrate with feasts, bonfires, and traditional games. It also marks the Assamese New Year.
• Sankranti Celebrations in Karnataka In Karnataka, people prepare 'Ellu Bella' (sesame seeds and jaggery) and fly kites. It's a time for communal harmony and prayers.

Bank Holidays for Makar Sankranti 2024

While Makar Sankranti is not a national holiday, it is observed as a holiday in several states across India. Banks and offices may remain closed for Makar Sankranti or its regional equivalent in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, and other states in India.