Makar sankranti 2025 date and time muhurat puja vidhi

Makar Sankranti, celebrated on January 14, 2025, is a major Hindu festival symbolizing the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makara Rashi). This day holds astronomical, cultural, and spiritual significance as it marks the Sun's journey toward the northern hemisphere (Uttarayan), bringing warmth, light, and positivity.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

1. End of Dakshinayan: The festival signifies the end of the inauspicious period of Dakshinayan (southern journey of the Sun) and the beginning of Uttarayan.
2. Harvest Festival: Farmers celebrate their hard work and thank the Sun God for a good harvest.
3. Spiritual Renewal: Taking a dip in holy rivers, offering prayers, and performing charity on this day are believed to cleanse sins and bring prosperity.

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Performing the Makar Sankranti puja correctly brings blessings of health, wealth, and happiness.

1. Preparation:

   • Wake up early and take a bath, preferably in a holy river or with water mixed with Gangajal.
   • Wear clean or new clothes.
   • Prepare a clean space for the puja with a rangoli or colorful decorations.

2. Setup the Puja Altar:

   • Place a copper or brass plate with a diya (lamp).
   • Keep idols or pictures of Surya Dev (Sun God) and other deities.
   • Arrange offerings like rice, jaggery, sesame seeds, sugarcane, and flowers.

3. Puja Steps:

   • Lighting the Lamp: Begin by lighting a diya and incense sticks.
   • Offering Arghya: Offer water (Arghya) to the Sun God while chanting the Surya mantra:
     "Om Hraam Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah."
   • Til-Daan: Offer sesame seeds mixed with jaggery or distribute sweets to the needy.
   • Aarti: Perform aarti for Surya Dev, seeking blessings for health and prosperity.

Traditional Foods

Makar Sankranti is known for its delicious regional delicacies, which are symbolic of togetherness and sweetness.

1. Maharashtra:

   • Til-Gul Ladoo: Made of sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizing harmony.
   • Puran Poli: A sweet flatbread filled with jaggery and lentils.

2. North India:

   • Khichdi: A mix of rice, lentils, and spices, often offered to deities.
   • Gajak: A crunchy sweet made of sesame and jaggery.

3. Tamil Nadu:

   • Pongal: A sweet dish made of rice, jaggery, and milk.

4. Gujarat:

   • Undhiyu: A mixed vegetable dish served with puris.

5. Assam:

   • Pithas: Traditional rice cakes filled with jaggery and coconut.

Rituals and Celebrations

1. Holy Dip:

   • Pilgrims take a sacred dip in rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari to purify their souls.

2. Flying Kites:

   • Kite flying is a major activity symbolizing freedom and joy. The skies are filled with colorful kites.

3. Charity (Daan):

   • Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is considered highly auspicious. Common items include til (sesame), gur (jaggery), and grains.

4. Bonfires:

   • In Punjab, Lohri is celebrated with bonfires and folk dances the night before Makar Sankranti.

5. Haldi Kumkum:

   • In Maharashtra, married women exchange til-gul ladoos and apply haldi (turmeric) and kumkum to each other.

Auspicious Activities on Makar Sankranti

• Starting new ventures or making important decisions.
• Buying gold, silver, or household items.
• Performing Annadanam (food donation) for spiritual merit.

Astrological Importance

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, ruled by Saturn. This celestial alignment enhances the power of transformation and justice, making it an ideal day for setting goals and embracing positivity.

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Wishing you a blessed and joyous Makar Sankranti 2025!