Mon Jan 13 09:23:01 UTC 2025: ## Makar Sankranti 2025: Auspicious Day for Giving and Renewal

**NEW DELHI, INDIA** – Makar Sankranti, a major Hindu festival marking the sun’s entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign, will be celebrated on January 14, 2025. This day signifies the start of Uttarayan, a change of seasons, and is considered highly auspicious for performing religious rituals, charity, and renewal.

The festival, also known as Khichdi Parv in some regions due to the traditional preparation and consumption of khichdi (a rice and lentil dish), holds special significance due to the belief that the sun god visits his son, Shani (Saturn). The conjunction often coincides with the rising of Venus, further enhancing the auspiciousness of the day. Individuals seeking to improve the astrological influence of the Sun or Saturn are encouraged to perform special prayers.

Auspicious timings for worship include a Mahapunya Kala (most auspicious time) from 9:03 AM to 10:48 AM, with a Punyakala (auspicious time) extending from 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM.

Traditional observances include offering water to the sun with red flowers and rice, chanting the Sun’s mantra, reciting religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam, and donating new grain, blankets, sesame seeds, and ghee. Preparing and offering khichdi as prasad (sacred offering) is also customary. Avoiding food after sunset is advised. Donating sesame seeds in a utensil to the needy is believed to alleviate difficulties associated with Saturn.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with diverse customs. In many states, it marks the harvest season, making it a day of thanksgiving for farmers. The sharing of sweets made with sesame seeds and jaggery, as well as kite flying, are popular traditions. The festival’s significance extends to taking a holy bath (especially in the Ganges), observing fasts, and performing acts of charity, which are believed to yield lasting benefits.

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