Devotees thronged the banks of the Ganga and other sacred rivers across India on Tuesday, marking Makar Sankranti 2025, a festival celebrating the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and the onset of Uttarayan.
From Kolkata’s Babughat to the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri, thousands braved the winter chill to take holy dips and offer prayers, embracing the spirit of devotion and tradition.
In West Bengal, devotees gathered at Babughat in Kolkata, performing rituals and taking a holy dip in the Ganga. Families, including children, participated with enthusiasm, despite the cold.
The ghats of Varanasi and Patna were bustling with activity as people performed traditional rituals, seeking blessings and spiritual merit. In Bihar, large crowds assembled at the Ganga Ghats in Patna, with children, parents, and grandparents sharing in the sacred experience.
Haridwar’s Har Ki Pauri in Uttarakhand saw throngs of devotees perform the customary Ganga Snan, affirming their faith and welcoming the auspicious day.
In Rajasthan, devotees offered prayers at the Balaji Temple in Jaipur, while other regions celebrated with equal enthusiasm.
Vijaya Laxmi, a devotee, expressed her gratitude and hope: “May we continue to celebrate Makar Sankranti joyously every year, and may everyone’s wishes come true.” She noted that faith in God inspires people to endure the chill of taking a holy dip in icy waters.
In Prayagraj, the festival coincided with the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025, as Sadhus from Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
Celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm on January 14, Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s shift into Capricorn from Sagittarius, heralding the beginning of longer days and the auspicious Uttarayan period.
Bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna on this day is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual blessings. The festival is also dedicated to acts of charity and devotion, with people distributing food, clothing, and other essentials to those in need.
The day is marked by the preparation of traditional dishes such as sesame-jaggery laddus, khichdi, and other festive delicacies. Kite flying, symbolizing vibrant energy and joy, is a cherished tradition, painting the skies with bright colors.
While the festival is known as Makar Sankranti in most parts of India, it takes on different names and forms in other regions:
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu
- Bihu in Assam
- Maghi in Punjab and Haryana
Makar Sankranti remains a celebration of faith, unity, and cultural vibrancy, connecting people across India in shared traditions and hope for prosperity.
