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Makar Sankranti 2025: Uttar Pradesh Declares Public Holiday on January 14, 2025

Makar Sankranti 2025

In a significant move, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has declared January 14, 2025, as a public holiday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Previously, this date was recognized as a restricted holiday, but the government has now upgraded it to a public holiday to ensure widespread participation in the festivities and important events related to the day.


The government’s decision comes as the state gears up for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which began on the occasion of Poush Purnima.

Millions of devotees are expected to take part in the religious rituals at the Sangam, and January 14 marks the first of the holy dips during the Kumbh. The public holiday has been declared to enable people to visit the Mahakumbh and participate in the rituals without any hindrances.

Makar Sankranti and the Significance of the Day

Makar Sankranti holds special cultural and religious importance in India, marking the day when the sun transitions from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makara).


This day is considered auspicious in Hindu tradition, as it symbolizes the end of the month-long period of “Kharmas” and is believed to bring about the commencement of favorable timings for weddings and other auspicious events.

In 2025, the sacred period for Makar Sankranti will begin at 6:58 AM on January 14 and last until 6:58 AM on January 15.

On this day, the worship of the sun god, Lord Surya, is of paramount importance as it is believed that offering prayers during this time bestows blessings and leads to the removal of negative energies.

As per Hindu belief, it is a time to let go of past troubles and embark on new beginnings. In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is also celebrated as the festival of Khichdi, where people traditionally prepare and eat khichdi (a dish made of rice and lentils) as part of the celebrations.

Other culinary delicacies associated with the day vary across regions, and the day is marked by people exchanging sweets like til-gud (sesame and jaggery), which is believed to bring good luck.

Bank Holidays and Festivities Across the Country

As Makar Sankranti coincides with the harvest season, many parts of India celebrate it with different customs. The day is also marked by regional festivals such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Bihu in Assam.

It is celebrated under various names and customs across the country, often marked by bonfires, dances, and festive meals. On January 14, some regions will observe a bank holiday due to the celebrations of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. While banks will remain open on January 13, many cities, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of North India, will have a holiday on the 14th.

Religious Observances and Special Yoga on Makar Sankranti

The day is not just about the cultural festivities but also the religious significance tied to it. According to Hindu scriptures, Makar Sankranti is the day when Lord Vishnu is said to have defeated the demons, and devotees seek his blessings for prosperity and peace.

This year, Makar Sankranti falls under several auspicious planetary alignments, including the conjunction of Pushya Nakshatra, the star ruled by Saturn, which enhances the day’s spiritual potency. As per astrological traditions, the sun’s entry into Capricorn during Makar Sankranti provides an opportunity to seek blessings for wealth and success.

Many devotees will take a holy dip in rivers, particularly the Ganga, to cleanse themselves of sins. The day is also known for charity, with people offering food, clothes, and other essentials, especially to the underprivileged.

A Day of Charity and Rituals

The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to declare January 14 as a public holiday will allow citizens to fully partake in these spiritual and cultural activities.

The state government has further recommended that on this day, people donate black sesame seeds, khichdi, and other food items as part of the traditional practice of offering charity. Additionally, it is encouraged that people observe rituals for their ancestors, particularly offering Tarpan to bring peace to the souls of the departed.

Makar Sankranti: A National Festival with Regional Significance

Makar Sankranti holds different names and forms of celebration across India. In Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri with dances around bonfires, while in Tamil Nadu, it is observed as Pongal with festive meals and offerings.

In Assam, Bihu celebrates the harvest, and in Gujarat, people fly kites in the sky, symbolizing the rise of positive energy with the sun’s transition.

In Uttar Pradesh, besides the main dish of khichdi, sweets such as til-gud and other local specialties will be enjoyed by the people.

Special prayers and rituals are also held in temples to mark the occasion.

With its emphasis on charity, community, and spiritual growth, Makar Sankranti stands as a festival that unites people in celebration and devotion, marking a new chapter of hope and prosperity in the year ahead.

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