When the Sun changes from one zodiac sign to another, it is called Sankranti. When the same zodiac change of the Sun occurs from Sagittarius to Capricorn, it is known as Makar Sankranti. On this day, the Sun moves from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan. The day of Makar Sankranti has its own special significance in Sanatan Dharma. Bathing in holy river pilgrimages during the auspicious time of this day is considered very beneficial.

Kharmas has started from 16 December, which will last till 14 January. According to Mahavir Panchang, on Tuesday, 14 January 2025, the Sun will enter Capricorn at 02.58 pm. Due to this, the auspicious time will be from 08.49 am to 07.37 pm on that day. During this holy period, one should take bath in holy places like Haridwar, Gangasagar, Triveni in Prayag Raj, Varanasi, Godavari etc.
Worship of Sun God:
After bathing, the Sun is worshipped by offering Arghya.
Tisam and jaggery are offered as Prasad to him.
Donate these things after bathing
According to religious beliefs, on this day, one gets freedom from all kinds of sins by taking bath in Ganga or any holy river and then donating jaggery. Donating Khichdi, sesame, blanket, Upanah gives the result of donation innumerable times. Along with this, you also get the benefit of infinite virtue. This is the reason why there is a crowd of devotees on this day at other pilgrimage places including Kashi, Prayagraj, Haridwar.
Khichdi Bhog:
There is a tradition of preparing Khichdi in North India and distributing it as prasad.
Problems will go away from life
Donating is considered very auspicious. But it is said that donating on the day of Makar Sankranti gives double the fruits. On this day everyone should take a bath in the morning and donate to the poor. You can donate whatever comes to your mind.

Religious significance: Sun God is given great importance in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day the Sun God goes to meet
his son Shani Dev.
Astronomical significance: According to astronomy, on this day the Sun moves from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan, which means that the days start getting longer.
Agricultural significance: This day is very important for farmers, because from this day the crops start ripening.
Makar Sankranti in different states
Makar Sankranti is known by different names in different states of India and is celebrated in different ways.
Punjab: Makar Sankranti is known as Magi or Lohri.
Tamil Nadu: Pongal
Andhra Pradesh: Makar Sankranti
Karnataka: Sankranti
Gujarat: Uttarayan
Makar Sankranti is an important festival of India which holds religious, cultural and agricultural significance. There are many reasons behind celebrating this festival. Let us all celebrate this festival together by being environmentally conscious.
The use of plastic string during kite flying on the day of Makar Sankranti is harmful to the environment. Therefore, we should celebrate this festival by being environmentally conscious.
Makar Sankranti is an important part of India's cultural heritage. This festival brings people together and strengthens social bonds.