On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti in 2025, thousands of devotees across India braved the cold weather to gather at various holy sites on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna. From Kolkata's Babughat to Varanasi's Ganga ghats and Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri, devotees took holy dips and offered prayers, while in Prayagraj, the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced. This festival, marking the Sun's transition into Capricorn, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and faith in God, inspiring people to face the cold weather for a chance at spiritual merit.
Makar Sankranti: A Celebration of the Sun's Transition
Makar Sankranti, a significant festival in India, is observed on January 14 or 15 every year. It marks the Sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and celebrates the end of the winter solstice.
Background
Makar Sankranti has deep historical and spiritual roots. In ancient India, it was believed that the Sun's movement into Capricorn marked the beginning of an auspicious period. It was a time to honor the Sun, which was considered a deity.
Religious Significance
Makar Sankranti is associated with the deity Surya, the Sun god. On this day, devotees take holy dips in rivers, especially the Ganga and Yamuna, to wash away sins and seek blessings. In many parts of India, the festival is also associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Celebrations
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. People gather at holy sites such as Varanasi, Haridwar, and Allahabad to take holy dips and offer prayers. In many regions, kite-flying is a popular activity during the festival, symbolizing the Sun's strength and the end of winter.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn and is associated with the end of winter and the beginning of an auspicious period.
2. How is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
People take holy dips in rivers, worship Lord Surya, fly kites, and enjoy traditional foods and sweets.
3. What are some of the important holy sites associated with Makar Sankranti?
Varanasi, Haridwar, and Allahabad are major pilgrimage sites for Makar Sankranti.
4. What are the traditional foods associated with Makar Sankranti?
Different regions have their own traditional foods for Makar Sankranti, such as khichdi, tilgul, and laddu.
5. What are some of the past events related to Makar Sankranti?
In 2025, the first Amrit Snan (holy dip) of Maha Kumbh took place in Prayagraj on Makar Sankranti. In 2023, thousands of devotees gathered at the Ganga ghats in Varanasi for holy dips despite the cold weather.
Shani Jayanti, the day dedicated to the worship of Lord Shani, falls on May 27, 2025, coinciding with Jyeshtha Amavasya. As per Udayatithi, the puja and rituals should be performed on the same day. However, certain tasks should be avoided on Shani Jayanti. Read on to know the significance of this day and the dos and don'ts to please Shani Dev.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Shanti Ashram in Lucknow to pay his last respects to Sant Shiromani Sai Chanduram, the head priest of the Ashram. He draped the mortal remains of Sant Shiromani with a saffron Angvastra and paid homage before his statue. Expressing deep sorrow over his demise, the Chief Minister wrote on social media about the irreparable loss of the spiritual leader. A large number of devotees gathered at the Ashram premises to offer their tributes and follow his teachings and ideals.
In an effort to improve vision care in rural India, the Bhaktivedanta Hospital & Research Institute held a Mega Eye & Dental Camp in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the hospital aims to perform over 5000 PHACO procedures, free of cost, for those in need. The support of Tata Capital Ltd. enabled the camp to expand its reach to over 50,000 beneficiaries and receive the support of esteemed dignitaries including Smt. Hema Malini Ji and Smt. Nupur Desai.
Indian society has a narrow and sexist definition of parvarish, praising daughters who conform to traditional gender roles and blaming parents if they don't. However, it's time to focus on dismantling patriarchy within the household and raise a feminist generation. This means providing equal education to both daughters and sons, encouraging critical thinking and questioning societal norms. Parvarish should not mean curbing basic legal rights but rather empowering individuals to make their own decisions and think for themselves.
India's festival of lights, Deepawali, has been officially recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The inscription acknowledges the festival's cultural significance and its ability to bring communities together. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the announcement, stating that Deepawali holds a special place in India's culture and represents values such as hope and righteousness. This recognition is expected to increase the festival's global popularity even further.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Tokyo, the city welcomed him with the soulful chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, one of the most sacred and powerful verses in Indian spiritual tradition. This ancient mantra, found in the Rig Veda, is believed to have a mental healing effect due to its repetitive and focused chanting. Research has also shown that it can improve well-being and provide a sense of peace and connection for both religious and non-religious individuals.
The M3M Foundation unveils 'Payal@40' campaign to commemorate Dr. Payal Kanodia's 40th birthday on December 9, 2025. This campaign, which aims for comprehensive impact across education, healthcare, skill development, and women's empowerment, reflects a leadership approach rooted in service and compassion. With the vision of Dr. Kanodia, the campaign marks a pivotal moment for the Foundation's ongoing mission of equitable development in India.
In a unique move to promote tourism, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has planned to hold cabinet meetings at famous heritage sites in the state. The latest meeting will take place at Khajuraho Convention Centre, known for its architectural wonders. The two-day visit will also include a jungle safari in Panna Tiger Reserve and review meetings of various departments, highlighting the state's vast natural and cultural beauty.
The main accused and owners of the Goa nightclub where a massive fire killed 25 people have fled to Phuket, according to Goa Police. The police have coordinated with Interpol to apprehend the accused as a Look Out Circular was issued against them. Meanwhile, an employee of the club has been arrested and the postmortem on all 25 deceased has been completed.
Experience a global perspective with the launch of "October 20, 2025e-Paper". Get your daily dose of news and reviews from cinema and streaming in "First Day First Show". Stay updated on the top 5 technology stories with "Today's Cache" and simplify science with "Science For All". Decode the headlines with hard facts in "Data Point" and learn to prioritize your health in "Health Matters". Stay updated on the literary world with "The Hindu On Books". All in one place!