Makar Sankranti holds special significance in Hinduism. According to scriptures, during the twelve zodiac sign cycle, the Sun enters the Capricorn (Makara) zodiac, marking the celebration of Makar Sankranti. This festival is known by various names in different regions, such as Sankranti, Lohri, Tehri, and Pongal. Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the new year, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in the Telugu states. The festival spans four days, including Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma, and Mukkannuma, each celebrated with grandeur and joy.
On Makar Sankranti, it is considered auspicious to eat sesame seeds (til) and sugar candy (jaggery). Bathing in holy rivers and performing acts of charity are also significant on this day. Many people take a ritual bath in sacred rivers on Makar Sankranti.
Donating on this day is also believed to bring immense benefits. People believe that the rewards of giving on Makar Sankranti are multiplied. On this day, the Sun meets its son, Shani (Saturn), and Venus also rises. It is considered an auspicious time to begin new ventures and celebrate new beginnings. When the Sun rises in Capricorn, the day begins for the deities, while the night falls for the demons. The end of the karmic cycle signifies the commencement of the Magha month. The date of Makar Sankranti may vary slightly from year to year, occurring on either January 14 or January 15.
In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, 2024, which falls on a Tuesday.
Makar Sankranti Auspicious Time
- Punya Kala: 09:03 AM to 05:46 PM
- Duration: 8 hours 42 minutes
- Maha Punya Kala: 09:03 AM to 10:48 AM
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Makar Sankranti Moment: 09:03 AM
Eating sesame seeds is considered auspicious during this time. After bathing and giving charity during the Punya Kala, eating chura, curd, and sesame seeds is said to bring good fortune. It is also a tradition to donate items such as bangles, sesame seeds, sweets, kichidi, woolen blankets, or clothes. Performing a sesame seed homa (fire ritual) is believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune to the household.
As the season changes, Makar Sankranti brings about slight weather transitions, and it is recommended to eat sesame seeds to help the body adjust to the new weather conditions.
What to Do on Makar Sankranti: On Makar Sankranti, during the Arghya offering, people present water, red flowers, grains, rice, turmeric, and mango leaves to the Sun God. After performing the puja, donations are made to the needy. Kichidi is especially significant on Makar Sankranti day and is an integral part of the celebrations.