5 Things to Know About Sankranti 2025

Sankranti 2025, the much-anticipated harvest festival, is just around the corner. The festival, which holds immense cultural and religious significance, falls on January 14th, marking the transition of the Sun into the Makara Rashi, or Capricorn. As the days grow longer and the nights shorter, Sankranti heralds the arrival of spring and the end of the winter solstice. For many, it is a time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest, pay homage to ancestral traditions, and welcome the auspicious beginnings of a new year.

The preparations for Sankranti begin weeks in advance, with homes being adorned with vibrant decorations and colorful rangoli designs. On the day of the festival, people gather to perform rituals such as Bhogi, which involves burning old clothes and unwanted items to symbolize the shedding of the past and welcoming of the new. The festival is also marked by the exchange of sweets, gifts, and traditional attire. Families and friends come together to feast on delicious delicacies, including Pongal, a sweet dish made from rice and jaggery, and savory dishes like chicken biryani and mutton curry.

Beyond the festivities, Sankranti is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. Farmers express their gratitude for a bountiful harvest and pray for continued prosperity in the coming year. Bullock cart races, known as Gangireddu in Telangana and Rangireddlu in Andhra Pradesh, are a popular attraction, showcasing the strength and agility of these animals. Kite flying is another beloved tradition, with colorful kites dotting the skies, symbolizing freedom, hope, and aspirations for the future. As the festival draws to a close, people bid farewell to Sankranti with the ritual of Kanuma, which involves honoring cattle and seeking their blessings for the year ahead.

Sankranti 2025: Auspicious Date and Time

Sankranti 2025: Date and Time

Sankranti, an auspicious festival in the Telugu calendar, falls in mid-January, marking the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. In 2025, Sankranti will be celebrated on Friday, January 17th. The exact time of the Sankranti moment, known as “Punyakalam,” is predicted to be between 8:54 AM to 11:30 AM on that auspicious day.

During the Sankranti period, which lasts for three days, devotees observe religious rituals, including bathing in holy rivers, offering prayers to Lord Surya (the sun god), and preparing traditional delicacies such as Pongal. The festival also marks the beginning of the harvest season, a time of great joy and prosperity for farmers.

Sankranti is celebrated with great fervor across the Telugu-speaking regions of India, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Gatherings, colorful kite-flying competitions, and traditional dances add to the festive atmosphere. It is a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate the bounty of nature, and seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Sankranti 2025 Timings

Significance of Makara Sankranthi in Telugu Culture

The Sun’s Passage and Harvest Festival

Makara Sankranthi holds immense cultural and religious significance in the Telugu-speaking states of India. It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing the sun’s passage into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). As a harvest festival, it celebrates the culmination of the season’s agricultural yield, bringing joy and prosperity to the community.

Rituals and Customs

Sankranthi is a time for traditional rituals and customs that honor the sun and celebrate the harvest. One of the most prominent customs is the Bhogi bonfire, where people gather to burn discarded items and unwanted material, symbolizing the purification of the old and the welcoming of the new. The festival also features the harvest of sugarcane, which is a significant symbol of the season’s bounty.

Food and Feasts

The festive spirit of Sankranthi extends to its cuisine. Traditional dishes like “Pulihora” (tamarind rice), “Pongal” (sweet rice dish), and “Bobbatlu” (sweet lentil dumplings) are prepared and shared with family and friends. These delicacies symbolize abundance and prosperity, embodying the joyous spirit of the festival.

Festive Preparations for Sankranthi 2025

Traditional Delicacies

Sankranthi is celebrated with a feast of traditional delicacies. The main dishes include:

• Pongal: A sweet dish made from rice, lentils, and jaggery.
• Pulihora: A tangy rice dish made with tamarind and spices.
• Boorelu: Crispy deep-fried dumplings filled with a sweet coconut filling.

Sanctifying the Home and Surroundings

Before the festival, homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with auspicious symbols like rangolis (colored floor designs) and mango leaves. Agricultural tools and vehicles are also given a ritual bath known as “haru” to honor the importance of farming in the region.

Bonfire and Kite-flying

The evening before Sankranthi is marked by a festive bonfire called “bhogi”. People gather around it to socialize, sing, and dance. Kite-flying is another integral part of Sankranthi. It symbolizes the upward ascent of one’s hopes and aspirations. Elaborate kite competitions are held during the festival, with participants showcasing their colorful and unique kite designs.

Celebrations on Different Days of Sankranthi