Makar Sankranti Festival Celebrated in India

Makar Sankranti, one of India's most cherished festivals, marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, heralding longer days and the end of winter. Celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, this festival symbolises the onset of the harvest season.

On January 14th each year, diverse cultural traditions come alive, from kite flying in Gujarat to the vibrant Lohri bonfires in Punjab and the elaborate Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu. The Makar Sankranti celebration is a time for gratitude, joy, and community bonding.

Ready to dive deeper into the vibrant traditions and celebrations of Makar Sankranti? Keep reading to discover how this festival is celebrated across India and why it holds such a special place in our hearts.

Makar Sankranti Date 2025

About Makar Sankranti Festival

Makar Sankranti holds immense significance in Indian culture, symbolising the Sun's transition into Capricorn and marking the end of the winter solstice. This festival is a celebration of new beginnings, harvest, and gratitude. It signifies the start of the harvest season, bringing prosperity and joy to farmers across the country.

The festival also highlights the importance of the Sun, considered a deity that nurtures life on Earth. People thank the Sun for bountiful crops and pray for continued blessings. Makar Sankranti fosters a sense of community and togetherness, with families and friends gathering to celebrate through various regional customs, from kite flying and bonfires to traditional dances and feasts. This festival beautifully encapsulates the spirit of unity, gratitude, and cultural richness.

List of Sankranti Dates in 2025

Sankranti, derived from the Sanskrit word "Sankrānti," signifies the transition of the Sun into a new zodiac sign. This term is often associated with various harvest festivals celebrated across India. Each festival marks the Sun’s movement into a different constellation and is observed with unique traditions and customs in different regions.

Here is the list of Sankranti dates for 2025:

Celebrations of Makar Sankranti in India

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with diverse traditions across India, each region adding its unique cultural flavour to the festival. Here’s how different states celebrate this vibrant festival:

1. Tamil Nadu

   It is a major festival in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The festival is celebrated for four days, and in Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Pongal.

2. Andhra Pradesh

   Makar Sankranti is a four-day festival celebrated with great enthusiasm, involving various rituals and community activities.

3. Punjab

   The eve before Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, featuring bonfires, traditional dances, and the exchange of sweets.

4. Madhya Pradesh

   Makar Sankranti is celebrated by exchanging programmes and sweets, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

5. Odisha

   People follow the custom of lighting bonfires and eating together, marking the festival with communal harmony and joy.

6. Assam

   The festival is celebrated as Bhogali Bihu, involving feasts, traditional games, and bonfires.

7. West Bengal

   Sankranti is celebrated over three days, starting with the main festival itself. The celebrations include traditional activities such as taking holy dips in rivers and preparing special sweets.

8. Delhi

   In Delhi and Haryana, the festival is known as Sukarat and is celebrated with kite flying and community gatherings.

9. Gujarat

   In Gujarat, the festival is known as Uttarayan, characterised by the vibrant kite-flying tradition that fills the skies.

10. Maharashtra

    In Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated by exchanging sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolising unity and warmth.

Significance of Kite Flying During Makar Sankranti

Kite flying is one of the most iconic traditions of Makar Sankranti, especially in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. This vibrant activity symbolises the spirit of joy, freedom, and the welcoming of longer days. As the festival marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn, kite flying is seen as a way to show gratitude to the Sun god, Surya, for a bountiful harvest and to pray for continued blessings.

The skies come alive with colourful kites of various shapes and sizes, representing the diversity and unity of India's cultural tapestry. It also fosters social interaction and community bonding as people gather on rooftops and in open spaces, engaging in friendly competitions and sharing festive foods. The tradition of kite flying beautifully captures the essence of Makar Sankranti, blending fun, spirituality, and cultural heritage.

Makar Sankranti Holidays 2026-2030

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