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Makar Sankranti is one of the major festivals celebrated across India and is known by different names in different states. In North India, it is commonly known as Sankranti, while in Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is celebrated as Uttarayan. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Pongal, and in Assam, it is called Magh Bihu. In Hindi-speaking regions, this festival is widely known as Makar Sankranti. The festival is celebrated to mark the Sun God’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi).
Makar Sankranti holds deep religious and spiritual significance. According to Hindu beliefs, this festival marks the beginning of Uttarayan, when the Sun begins its northward journey. The period of Uttarayan is considered highly auspicious, and religious activities performed during this time are believed to carry special spiritual merit.
On this day, taking a holy bath, making charitable donations, and offering prayers hold great significance. According to ancient scriptures, taking a holy bath in the Ganga and making donations to Brahmins as well as poor and distressed people on Makar Sankranti are believed to help a person attain freedom from sins.
In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15. The Punya Kaal for this auspicious festival will be from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM. The Maha Punya Kaal will be from 9:03 AM to 10:48 AM.
Worship, holy bathing, and charitable activities performed during these auspicious periods are considered especially significant. It is believed that donating during this time brings special spiritual benefits.
Gange Cha Yamune Chaiva Godavari Saraswati,
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru.
Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarvavastham Gatopi Va,
Yah Smaret Pundarikaksham Sa Bahyabhyantarah Shuchih.
According to religious beliefs, taking a holy bath in sacred rivers and making donations on Makar Sankranti hold special significance. It is believed that taking a bath in a sacred river and offering donations on this day can bring auspicious results equivalent to performing an Ashwamedha Yajna or donating a cow.
Donating to poor, underprivileged, and needy people on this day is believed to bring happiness and peace. It is also believed that Lord Surya blesses devotees with success in their endeavors.
According to traditional beliefs, donating to poor and distressed people and underprivileged Brahmins on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti holds great importance. Charity performed on this day is believed to fill one’s life with happiness and invite the special blessings of Lord Surya.
Donations made on Makar Sankranti are traditionally considered Akshaya, meaning their spiritual merit is believed to remain undiminished.
The following items are commonly considered suitable for donation on Makar Sankranti:
Donating food and grains is considered especially significant on Makar Sankranti. It is customary to donate khichdi on this day, which is traditionally associated with happiness and peace in the household.
Along with khichdi, donating sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gud) is also considered highly auspicious. According to traditional beliefs, donating sesame and jaggery on Makar Sankranti is associated with prosperity and an increase in respect and honor.
Donating grains is also considered a noble act. Feeding a person in need on Makar Sankranti is believed to invite the blessings of Goddess Annapurna, the goddess associated with nourishment and food.
Donating clothes is also considered significant on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Traditionally, people donate new clothes, blankets, and sweaters to poor, distressed, and underprivileged people as well as Brahmins in need.
According to traditional beliefs, such acts of charity can help overcome difficulties in life and pave the way for greater happiness and well-being.
A: In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15.
A: On Makar Sankranti, devotees traditionally take a holy bath in sacred rivers or other holy water sources.
A: Food, grains, sesame seeds, jaggery, and clothing are traditionally considered suitable items for donation on Makar Sankranti.
A: Devotees traditionally seek the blessings of Lord Surya (the Sun God) on Makar Sankranti.
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