Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal 2025: Dates, timings, significance, puja vidhi, and popular foods

India is a land of festivals and this month we will be celebrating the festival of thanksgiving and prosperity. The festival is celebrated under different names in different parts of the country. While it is known as Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand; in Punjab, it is known as Lohri, and in the southern states, it is observed as Pongal.

Lohri

In Punjab, people celebrate the festival of harvest as Lohri. On this day, people offer prayers to the God of Fire (Agni) and seek blessings for happiness and prosperity. The festival marks the end of the sowing season for winter crops and welcomes the harvest season. Farmers pray for a fruitful harvest during this time.

Makar Sankranti

Celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti (also called Uttarayan) is a harvest festival that involves taking a holy dip in rivers, offering prayers to the Sun God, and donating grains, sweets, and sesame seeds to the needy. This act of charity is believed to bring happiness and prosperity.

Pongal

In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God. The festivities include Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. It is a time of gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Rituals include decorating homes with mango and banana leaves, worshipping cows, painting their horns, and preparing traditional dishes.

Festival Dates and Timings for 2025:

Lohri
Date: Monday, January 13, 2025
Sankranti Moment: 9:03 AM, January 14

Makar Sankranti
Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Punya Kaal Muhurta: 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM
Maha Punya Kaal Muhurta: 9:03 AM to 10:48 AM

Pongal
Pongal
Bhogi Pandigai: January 13
Thai Pongal: January 14
Mattu Pongal: January 15

Kaanum Pongal: January 16

Significance and Puja Vidhi

Lohri
The festival marks the start of the spring season and the harvest of wheat crops sown in winter. Offering prayers to the God of Fire is believed to ensure a prosperous harvest and happiness for all.

Makar Sankranti
Falling during the solar month of Makara and the lunar month of Magha, the festival is also called Magha Sankranti. Taking a holy dip in rivers is believed to cleanse one of the illnesses and bring peace. Prayers to the Sun God and acts of charity are essential rituals.

Pongal
This festival emphasizes starting anew and showing gratitude to the Lord Sun for a successful harvest. Rituals include house decorations, worshipping cows, and preparing traditional dishes.

Popular Foods of Each Festival

Makar Sankranti
Dahi Chura: Flattened rice soaked in curd, sweetened with jaggery or sugar.
Khichdi: A comforting one-pot dish made with rice, dal, and ghee.
Tilkut: Sweet crackers made with sesame seeds and jaggery.
Chikki: A crunchy snack of roasted peanuts and jaggery.
Til Laddoo: Sesame and jaggery laddoos, sometimes with peanuts.

Lohri
Sarson da Saag: A flavorful dish made with mustard greens and other leafy vegetables.
Makki di Roti: Cornmeal flatbread, traditionally paired with saag.
Til ki Barfi: A sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery.
Gur ki Roti: Wheat flatbread with a jaggery filling.
Panjiri: A powdered dessert made with wheat flour, ghee, and nuts.
Pinni: Laddoos made with dry fruits, jaggery, and gondh.

Pongal
Veg Pongal: A signature dish made with rice, moong dal, ghee, and jaggery.
Puliyodarai (Tamarind Rice): A tangy rice dish flavored with tamarind and spices.
Payasam: A creamy dessert made with rice, milk, jaggery, and cardamom. Variants include Akkaravadisal Payasam and Semiya Payasam.

Best places to visit in North India to celebrate the harvest festival

Lohri, also known as Lal Loi, is a lively and colorful festival celebrated in northern India. This vibrant festival holds cultural significance and marks the successful harvest of winter crops. It also marks the conclusion of the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Lohri is more than just a celebration; it is a big cultural event that brings people together from all walks of life. In 2025, the festival will be celebrated on Monday, January 13. On this occasion, let’s take a look at the places to visit where Lohri is celebrated with immense fanfare.

Amritsar | Amritsar is the epitome of Lohri celebrations. As the festival approaches, the city transforms into a vibrant spectacle, filled with energy and enthusiasm. Bonfires illuminate the night sky, while the rhythmic beats of the dhol and the aroma of roasted peanuts and sesame seeds create a festive atmosphere. The iconic Golden Temple in the city is a must-visit during Lohri.

Ludhiana |The industrial hub of Punjab, Ludhiana transforms into a vibrant cultural attraction during the festivities. It hosts numerous events, including traditional Punjabi feasts, kite-flying competitions, live entertainment, and others. The city celebrates Lohri with great fervor and joy.

Jalandhar | A major city in Punjab, Jalandhar is the ideal location to experience the Lohri celebration. If you want to see traditional celebrations, Jalandhar is the place to go. If you're here in the city, head to the popular spots and dance the night away.

Chandigarh | The capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh hosts grand celebrations during Lohri that perfectly blends tradition and modernity. The city transforms into hubs of festive activities, including dance performances and live music.

Delhi | With its diverse population and communities, Delhi is a cultural melting pot and an excellent site to see the liveliness of Lohri. Bonfires, traditional folk dances, and delectable cuisine mark this harvest festival. The city comes alive with holiday energy, and you can participate in community gatherings and cultural events. The capital city offers a unique way to celebrate the festivities with the metropolitan charm.

These festivals unite people to celebrate gratitude, cultural traditions, and the joy of good food. May your Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal be filled with happiness and prosperity!