India is a land of festivals and every region and religion celebrates a wide range of festivals that defines the cultural and culinary beauty of the country. One such festival that defines beauty and has different names is Makar Sankranti. In Punjabi, it is celebrated as Lohri, in UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti and in South it is celebrated as Pongal. Scroll down to read the date, time, significance and foods celebrated in each region.
Lohri: Lohri is the harvest festival of Punjab and is widely celebrated in Northern India. On this day, people offer prayer to God of Fire (Agni) and pray for prosperity and happiness. The festival marks the end of the sowing season of winter crops and welcomes the harvest season and farmers pray for promising harvesting in the season.
Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan is also the harvest festival and is celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh. It is also referred to as Maghi, Poush Sankranti or simply Sankranti in different parts of the country. On this day people take holy dip in the rivers, offer prayer to Sun God as a part of Makar Sankranti Puja and also donate grains, sweets and til to the needy. It is believed that donation brings in happiness and prosperity.
Pongal: Pongal is a four-day festival of the Tamil community. This festival is also dedicated to Sun God. The festivities include Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal. People celebrate Bhogi Pongal, a day prior to Thai Pongal.
Date and time Makar Sankranti 2025Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal Muhurta
Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Makar Sankranti Punya Kala - 09:03 AM to 05:46 PM
Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala - 09:03 AM to 10:48 AM
Lohri 2025Lohri on Monday, January 13, 2025
Lohri Sankranti Moment - 09:03 AM, Jan 14
Pongal 2025 Bhogi Pandigai: January 13
Thai Pongal: January 14
Mattu Pongal: January 15
Kaanum Pongal: January 16