2025 Sankranti Puja Dates and Significance
Introduction
Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another and is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. The year 2025 brings twelve Sankranti days, each with its own spiritual significance. Among them, Makara Sankranti is the most celebrated, observed with grandeur across India. This article provides a detailed breakdown of all Sankranti dates in 2025, their significance, and the rituals associated with them.
Understanding Sankranti in the Hindu Calendar
In the Hindu calendar, twelve Sankranti days occur annually, categorized into four main types:
- Ayan Sankranti – Based on the movement of the Sun in the northern (Uttarayan) and southern (Dakshinayan) directions.
- Vishuva Sankranti – Occurs when the day and night are equal.
- Vishnupadi Sankranti – Associated with the transition of the Sun in Vishnupadi Nakshatras.
- Shadshitimukhi Sankranti – Known for its unique astrological significance.
2025 Sankranti Dates and Timings
1. Makara Sankranti – January 14, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Time: 09:03 AM
- Significance: Makara Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayan. It is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, also known as Pongal in South India and Purna Kumbha at Prayagraj. Devotees take holy dips in sacred rivers and perform charity acts.
2. Kumbha Sankranti – February 12, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Time: 10:04 PM
- Significance: Occurring in the Aquarius zodiac sign, this Sankranti also marks the conclusion of the Purna Kumbha festival at Prayagraj.
3. Meena Sankranti – March 14, 2025 (Friday)
- Time: 06:59 PM
- Significance: Marks the transition of the Sun into the Pisces zodiac, bringing spiritual opportunities for meditation and reflection.
4. Mesha Sankranti – April 14, 2025 (Monday)
- Time: 03:30 AM
- Significance: This day marks the Hindu Solar New Year and is widely celebrated in regions like Tamil Nadu (Puthandu) and Odisha (Maha Vishuva Sankranti).
5. Vrishabha Sankranti – May 15, 2025 (Thursday)
- Time: 12:21 AM
- Significance: Transition of the Sun into Taurus, symbolizing agricultural prosperity.
6. Mithuna Sankranti – June 15, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 06:53 AM
- Significance: A day for prayers and offerings to ancestors, especially observed in Odisha.
7. Karka Sankranti – July 16, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Time: 05:40 PM
- Significance: Marks the beginning of Dakshinayan, a six-month period considered suitable for meditation and spiritual practices.
8. Simha Sankranti – August 17, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 02:00 AM
- Significance: Celebrated in Odisha as Singh Sankranti with special prayers and offerings.
9. Kanya Sankranti (Vishwakarma Puja) – September 17, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Time: 01:55 AM
- Significance: Associated with Vishwakarma Puja, the festival honoring Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect.
10. Tula Sankranti – October 17, 2025 (Friday)
- Time: 01:54 PM
- Significance: An important harvest festival in Karnataka and Odisha, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
11. Vrishchika Sankranti – November 16, 2025 (Sunday)
- Time: 01:45 PM
- Significance: Marks the Sun’s movement into Scorpio, observed with fasting and prayers.
12. Dhanu Sankranti – December 16, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Time: 04:27 AM
- Significance: Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, this Sankranti is widely observed in Odisha with special temple rituals.
Rituals and Traditions
- Holy Dips: Bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari is believed to wash away sins.
- Charity: Offering food, clothes, and financial aid to the needy is highly recommended on Sankranti days.
- Surya Puja: Worshiping the Sun God and performing Surya Namaskar enhances spiritual growth.
- Festive Delicacies: Special dishes like Tilgul (Maharashtra), Pongal (Tamil Nadu), and Khichdi (North India) are prepared and shared.
Conclusion
Sankranti days hold immense spiritual and cultural importance in Hindu tradition. Each of the twelve Sankranti festivals in 2025 offers a unique opportunity for devotion, reflection, and celebration. Among them, Makara Sankranti stands out as the most prominent, ushering in prosperity and positivity. Observing these auspicious occasions with faith and traditional rituals can bring peace and fulfillment in life.
