Makar Sankranti, a Hindu harvest festival, is celebrated throughout India with different traditions and customs. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh celebrate for four days, with each day having its own unique activities. In Rajasthan, traditional sweets are shared and money is poured over children. Gujarat is famous for its colourful kite flying, while in Haryana and Delhi, people take holy dips in rivers to celebrate. This festival represents the unity in diversity of India's cultural fabric.
Makar Sankranti, a harvest festival of India, is celebrated on January 14th or 15th, marking the transition of the sun's path from Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makara). The festival celebrates the sun's movement northward, signifying longer and warmer days. Makar Sankranti is a major festival in Hinduism and is celebrated with various traditions and customs across the country.
Here are five frequently asked questions and answers about Makar Sankranti:
Makar Sankranti holds great cultural and religious significance in Hinduism. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. It is also a time to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and pray for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.
The festival is celebrated with unique traditions and customs in different regions of India. In Punjab, it is known as Lohri, where people gather around bonfires, sing songs, and exchange sweets. In Rajasthan, people fly kites and engage in kite competitions. In Uttar Pradesh, a ritual bath in the holy river Ganga is performed, known as Ganga Snan.
Some of the common rituals and practices observed during Makar Sankranti include taking a holy dip in rivers or sacred water bodies, offering prayers to the Sun God, and preparing and sharing special foods. Traditional sweets and delicacies, such as til laddus, gajak, and pongal, are prepared and enjoyed during the festival.
Kite flying is an integral part of Makar Sankranti celebrations, particularly in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. Kites of various colors and shapes fill the skies, symbolizing freedom, joy, and the breaking of old ties. The festival is also an occasion for people to come together, celebrate, and strengthen their bonds.
Makar Sankranti is also associated with the astrological shift or the sun's entry into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It is believed that the Sun's transit into Capricorn brings positive changes and is an auspicious time to start new ventures or make important decisions.
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As per astrological calculations, Makar Sankranti, the festival of the Sun's transition into Capricorn, will be observed on a different date in the future. The gradual delay in the Sun's movement has caused a shift in the date of the festival, and it is predicted that it will continue to move forward in the coming years. Experts share insights on the festival's history and the possible significance of its shifting date. Disclaimer: Consultation with an expert is recommended before implementing any information or belief presented.
The 2025 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is off to an auspicious start with the first 'Amrit Snan' being led by renowned spiritual leader, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya. As millions of pilgrims continue to gather for this sacred event, the seers claim that this year's Kumbh Mela is even more special as it aligns with cosmic and celestial events that occur once every 144 years. The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious gathering, but also a cultural and spiritual extravaganza with various rituals and activities planned throughout the festival.
At the 350-year-old shrine of Hazrat Sayed Jamal Saha Baba in Patara, Balasore, Hindus and Muslims came together to celebrate Makar Sankranti and the shrine's annual Urs. The shrine has been hosting an annual Makar Mela, which symbolizes the unity between the two communities. The celebrations brought people from both communities together and spread a message of communal harmony and brotherhood.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti in 2025, thousands of devotees across India braved the cold weather to gather at various holy sites on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna. From Kolkata's Babughat to Varanasi's Ganga ghats and Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri, devotees took holy dips and offered prayers, while in Prayagraj, the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced. This festival, marking the Sun's transition into Capricorn, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and faith in God, inspiring people to face the cold weather for a chance at spiritual merit.
As Makar Sankranti approaches, people across India gear up to celebrate the joyous harvest festival in unique ways. From taking a dip in holy rivers to flying kites and preparing traditional sweets, every community adds their own special touch to the festivities. To capture the essence of this auspicious day, we've compiled a collection of heartfelt wishes, inspiring quotes, and cheerful messages that can be shared with loved ones to spread joy and positivity. So let's come together and celebrate the richness of our culture and traditions on this special day.
With a strong academic background in aerospace engineering, Masani Gorakh, also known as IIT Baba, has captured the attention of the media at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. After leaving behind a career in science, he became a monk and has dedicated his life to understanding himself and the divine. In an exclusive interview with News18, he shared his journey and how spirituality helped him understand the true meaning of life.
Pongal, a four-day harvest celebration primarily observed in Tamil Nadu, is a colorful tradition that honors the sun god and gives thanks for the bountiful harvest. This year, on January 14th, families and communities gather to paint homes, participate in festivities such as cattle racing and bonfires, and indulge in traditional dishes like sakkarai pongal. As we approach this joyous occasion, let's take a closer look at the history and customs of Pongal, along with some heartfelt wishes and greetings to share with loved ones.
The International Kite and Sweet Festival in Hyderabad kicked off with 40 international kite flyers and 60 enthusiasts from different Indian states showcasing traditional and modern kite designs. Families and expert flyers like Guilherme Linares from Italy and Henry Luong Dung from Vietnam were delighted by the cultural dances and Indian sweets at the festival. Attendees also got a taste of international sweets and cultural exhibits, making it a vibrant and diverse celebration.
Every year, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm as people come together to fly colourful kites and commemorate the harvest season. In 2025, the festival falls on January 14 and marks the beginning of longer days and a time for reflection and gratitude. As the Sun God is honored for sustaining life on Earth, let's spread well-wishes and greetings among loved ones to celebrate the true spirit of Uttarayan.