Sankranti 2025 will be a widely celebrated festival across India. While it goes by many names in various regions of the country, it all marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac of Capricorn and it is a popular harvest festival, as well.
Significance of Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks when the sun enters the zodiac of Capricorn also known as Makar in Sanskrit. This festival also indicates the start of Uttarayan and brings longer days. The time is associated with harvest traditions and has different cultural meaning for all different groups across the nation.
Regional Variations
There are many different forms of the festival throughout India. In Uttar Pradesh, the celebration is called Makara Sankranti. The other variations are Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Uttarayan in Gujarat and Rajasthan and finally Maghi in Haryana and Punjab along with Poush Songkranti which takes place in parts of West Bengal, Karnataka and Maharashtra and Telangana. Each region has unique customs with their own regional specific meanings that have become very well known over time.
Sankranti 2025 Date and Auspicious Timings
Makar Sankranti in 2025 will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14. The Punya Kaal period will span over 8 hours from 9:03 am to 5:46 pm providing ample opportunity for rituals. During that there will be a very specific Maha Punya Kaal that lasts one hour from 9:03 am to 10:48 am for blessings. The time frame has also become something known for making all new plans with focus.
Spiritual Meaning
In addition to astronomical events Makar Sankranti has significance for spiritual enlightenment and is viewed by many as a move to positivity. Devotees try to make efforts of renewal of the mind while asking for blessings to make new personal intentions known to the higher powers during these specific windows of time.
Key Celebrations and Traditions
There are specific activities which highlight the festival that many from different cultural backgrounds partake in including kite-flying and preparing local cuisines. In many parts of India this is a well known celebration of cultural importance and traditional practices that are celebrated through out many generations.
Kite-Flying
Kite-flying is one of the more well known traditions that is done as an activity during the Makar Sankranti celebration. Throughout history it was and still is a time when the sky is adorned with bright colored kites creating a view of joyful activity as communities celebrate. This act was put on display through many forms of entertainment media.
Regional Cuisines
Several cuisines have strong meaning in many areas. Examples such as khichdi prepared from the recent harvest showing that is also used as a main theme of the celebration showing both gratitude and cultural identity. With all food practices there is an acknowledgment to local produce which ties each location to the festivities even deeper.
Sankranti in Cinema
Many different films use the Makar Sankranti celebration for both the backdrop for many types of stories. These films capture the tradition's festive atmosphere and also it's cultural importance. Both of these elements blend in to show how film also can enhance how many enjoy and experience the day from a distant location.
Bollywood's Take on Sankranti
Films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Kai Po Che!, Earth, Yeh Khula Aasmaan, and Gattu have highlighted different aspects of the festival using kite flying to explore themes of friendships romance and inspiration. In many different scenes of popular films you may see the iconic moment that represents the joy of the time. Also several song selection play specific roles in these cultural traditions to tie themes to the time.
Tamil Cinema and Pongal
Pongal, which overlaps with Makar Sankranti in some areas, has inspired the creation of films showcasing Tamil Nadu's harvest traditions with great passion and zeal. Some stories touch on social and ethical challenges of humanity or some that dive into the importance of community and traditions.
Film Examples
Films like Kanaa , Mary Kom , English Vinglish, Sarkar and Rocketry demonstrate these themes of resilience personal discovery cultural impact that often take place during Pongal or Sankranti. Other movies that showcased the festivity are Zero, Chappa Chappa , and Veer Zaara all capture the importance that these stories all serve.
Music Inspired by Kite-Flying
Songs have become a key ingredient to this tradition as their lyrics give way to celebrating the essence of this holiday. They become a source of inspiration along with having people connect to one another. The music of Makar Sankranti captures both joy and a sense of spirituality and connection.
Key Songs
Songs like "Dheel De," from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam as well as "Udi Udi Jaye" from Raees which showcases celebrations in a fun light hearted way. Other songs such as “Kai Po Che!”, “Manjha,” and “Ruth Aa Gayi Re,” also connect the listener with their themes such as joy inspiration and love for their tradition as the time approaches for this annual event.
Key Takeaways
- Makar Sankranti in 2025 will be observed on January 14th with variations in name and traditions depending on the location.
- It marks the sun's transit to the Capricorn zodiac sign and is important for many.
- This harvest festival will be showcased using multiple regional cultures including religious practices that span across the nation with unique traditions.
- The show will use aspects of Indian film to showcase both traditions and celebration for new perspectives for each of these types of art form.
- With food preparation kite flying, new clothing being worn this day has become highly symbolic as a whole which creates an identity for many who participate each year.