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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

Event	Time
Sankranti Moment (Punyakalam)	8:54 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunrise	6:30 AM
Sunset	5:45 PM

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.

Day	Significance
Bhogi	Burning of discarded items and unwanted material
Sankranthi	Harvest of sugarcane, traditional food, and rituals
Kanuma	Honoring cattle and celebrating livestock
Mukkala Numbodi	Feasting and sharing of sweets

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

Day

Significance

Bhogi

Cleaning and sanctification of the home; bonfire

Sankranthi

Sun’s transition into Capricorn; worship of Lord Surya

Kanuma

Worship of cattle; cattle races and sports

Traditional Customs and Rituals of Makara Sankranthi

Setting Off Bonfires

Known as “Bhogi Mantalu” or “Bhogi Pallu,” setting off bonfires is a central ritual during Makara Sankranthi. These bonfires, made of old clothing, wood, and other materials, symbolize the burning away of negativity and the welcoming of good fortune. Families and communities gather around the blazes, warming themselves, sharing stories, and spending time together.

Performing Ritual Bathing

On the day of Makara Sankranthi, people take a sacred bath in rivers or lakes. This ritual, known as “Ganga Snanam,” signifies purification and renewal. Devotees believe that bathing in holy waters on this day cleanses them of sins and brings blessings from the gods.

Worshiping the Sun God

Makara Sankranthi is also a time to worship the Sun God, Surya. Devotees offer prayers, chants, and oblations to Surya, seeking his blessings for health, prosperity, and success. This ritual is often performed facing the rising sun, as it is said to bring good luck and abundance.

Flying Kites

Kite-flying is an integral part of Makara Sankranthi celebrations. People of all ages take to rooftops and open spaces to fly vibrant and colorful kites. This activity symbolizes the soaring of aspirations, dreams, and hopes. It is also said to bring good luck, prosperity, and harmony to the community.

Significance of Kite Colors

Color	Significance
Red	Courage, strength, and passion
Green	Nature, fertility, and prosperity
Blue	Peace, tranquility, and stability
Yellow	Happiness, optimism, and success
Purple	Royalty, wisdom, and spirituality

Telugu Calendar for Sankranthi 2025

Sankranthi is a major harvest festival celebrated in South India, particularly in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In 2025, Sankranthi will fall on Tuesday, January 14th. The Telugu calendar provides a detailed guide to the dates and timings of various rituals and events associated with the festival.

Bhogi

Bhogi, the first day of Sankranthi, is celebrated on January 13th, 2025. It is dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain. The Telugu calendar indicates that the auspicious time for performing the Bhogi bonfire is between 6:50 AM and 10:00 AM.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, the main day of the festival, is observed on January 14th, 2025. This day marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). The Telugu calendar specifies the exact moment of “Punyakalam” or auspicious time for taking a holy dip in rivers or tanks, which falls between 07:15 AM and 08:27 AM.

Kanuma

Kanuma, the third day of Sankranthi, is celebrated on January 15th, 2025. It is dedicated to the worship of cows and bulls. The Telugu calendar states that the favorable timing for “Gopuja” or cow worship is between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

Mukkanuma

Mukkanuma, also known as Gauri Habba, is celebrated on January 16th, 2025. This day is reserved for the worship of Goddess Gauri and involves the making and offering of sweet dishes called “Pongal.” According to the Telugu calendar, the auspicious time for “Mukkanuma Pongal” is between 07:00 AM and 08:30 AM.

Differences in Regional Traditions

While the general dates and rituals of Sankranthi remain the same across the Telugu-speaking regions, there may be slight variations in local customs and traditions. It is always advisable to consult the Telugu calendar for specific information and timings relevant to your location.

Regional Variations

The version of the Telugu calendar for Sankranthi 2025 used in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may differ from that used in other Telugu-speaking regions, such as the Rayalaseema region or the Godavari districts. Slight variations in dates or timings may occur due to regional customs and traditions.

Table of Auspicious Timings

Ritual	Auspicious Timing
Bhogi Bonfire	06:50 AM – 10:00 AM
Makar Sankranti Punyakalam	07:15 AM – 08:27 AM
Kanuma Gopuja	10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mukkanuma Pongal	07:00 AM – 08:30 AM

Muhurtha Timings for Bhogi

Bhogi is the first day of Sankranti and is celebrated on January 14, 2025. The auspicious time for Bhogi is from 8:05 AM to 9:46 AM.

Muhurtha Timings for Makara Sankranti

Makara Sankranti is the second day of Sankranti and is celebrated on January 15, 2025. The auspicious time for Makara Sankranti is from 8:05 AM to 9:46 AM.

Muhurtha Timings for Kanuma

Kanuma is the third day of Sankranti and is celebrated on January 16, 2025. The auspicious time for Kanuma is from 7:06 AM to 8:47 AM.

Significance of Bhogi

Bhogi marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. It is also associated with the worship of Lord Indra, the god of rain.

Significance of Makara Sankranti

Makara Sankranti is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). It is also associated with the worship of Lord Surya, the sun god.

Significance of Kanuma

Kanuma is the last day of Sankranti and is celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season. It is also associated with the worship of Lord Indra, the god of rain.

Sankranti Puja Vidhi

Sankranti Puja is a simple procedure that can be performed at home or in a temple.

Steps
Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
Set up a small altar with a picture or statue of Lord Surya.
Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Surya.
Light a lamp and chant the following mantra:
Om Suryaya Namah
Pray to Lord Surya for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Aarti can be performed after the puja.
Prasad can be distributed to family and friends.

Astrological Predictions for Sankranthi 2025

Special Rituals During Sankranthi 2025

Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season in India. It is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm by farmers and others. People offer prayers to the sun god, Surya, and seek his blessings for a bountiful harvest. They also exchange sweets, gifts, and warm wishes with each other.

Traditional Bonfire (Bhogi)

The first day of Sankranthi is known as Bhogi. On this day, people light bonfires and burn old clothes, furniture, and other unwanted items. This ritual symbolizes the burning away of negativity and the welcoming of new beginnings.

Cow Worship (Mattu Pongal)

The second day of Sankranthi is known as Mattu Pongal. On this day, people worship cows and offer them special food and prayers. Cows are considered sacred in India and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Bird Migration

Sankranthi is also known as the festival of birds. During this time, many migratory birds from Siberia and other cold regions flock to India. People enjoy watching these beautiful birds and observing their fascinating behavior.

Kite-Flying Festival

Kite-flying is a popular activity during Sankranthi. People of all ages take to their rooftops and open fields to fly kites. The sky is filled with a vibrant array of colors and designs, creating a festive atmosphere.

Women’s Festival (Kanuma)

The third day of Sankranthi is known as Kanuma or Pongal. On this day, women take a ritual bath, wear new clothes, and offer prayers to the sun god. They also prepare a special dish called pongal, which is made of rice, lentils, and jaggery.

Distribution of Sweets

Sankranthi is a time for giving and sharing. People exchange sweets, gifts, and warm wishes with each other. It is believed that these acts of kindness bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year.

Religious Significance of Sankranthi

Sankranthi is a festival that is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed that the sun god, Surya, enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn on this day. This event is considered to be auspicious and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.

Conclusion

Sankranthi is a vibrant and colorful festival that is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in India. It is a time for renewal, celebration, and the sharing of good fortune.

Sankranthi Celebrations in Different Regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Adilabad

In Adilabad, Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People decorate their houses with colorful rangolis and flowers. They also prepare traditional sweets and savories like ‘boondi laddus’, ‘murukku’, and ‘jalebi’. The highlight of the festival is the ‘Bonfire’ or ‘Holi’, which is lit in every household to ward off evil spirits.

Hyderabad

In Hyderabad, the Nizam’s era tradition of playing gulli-danda still holds strong during Sankranti. This traditional game is played with two sticks, one of which is used to hit the other. Moreover, many families continue to fly kites on this day.

Karimnagar

Karimnagar is known for its grand “Bathukamma” celebrations, which precede Sankranti. Bathukamma is a colorful dance performed by women around a conical structure made of flowers. During Sankranti, people also organize bullock cart races and other traditional games.

Khammam

In Khammam, Sankranti is celebrated with a traditional “Bonalu” festival. This festival involves offering cooked rice and other food items to Goddess Yellamma. People also participate in a special “Harathi” ritual, where devotees offer camphor and light to the goddess.

Mahabubnagar

Mahabubnagar is famous for its “Jataras” or temple fairs, which are held during Sankranti. These fairs attract a large number of devotees and feature performances of traditional folk arts and music.

Nalgonda

In Nalgonda, Sankranti is celebrated with a unique “Pedda Panduga” or “Big Festival”. The highlight of this festival is a grand procession where people carry a large idol of Lord Vishnu.

Nizamabad

Nizamabad is known for its distinctive “Haridasu” tradition, where musicians go from house to house singing songs and playing instruments. During Sankranti, Haridasus perform special songs praising Lord Venkateswara.

Warangal

In Warangal, Sankranti is associated with the “Sammakka Sarakka Jatara”. This grand festival is held at Medaram, where tribal communities gather to worship Goddess Sammakka and Goddess Sarakka. The festival features a colorful procession, traditional dances, and animal sacrifices.

Popular Sankranthi Folk Songs

Sankranthi festivals abound with vivacious folk songs known as ‘Sarangi Paatalu’ These songs are ingrained in the cultural fabric of Telugu-speaking regions and are loved for their captivating melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Some of the most popular Sankranthi folk songs include:

“Makara Sankranti Panduga”
“Vaare Vaare Vevela”
“Gori Gorinka”

Popular Sankranthi Games

Complementing the merrymaking of Sankranthi are a plethora of traditional games. These games provide an avenue for socialization, fun, and friendly competition. Some of the most popular Sankranthi games include:

Bodikattam (Bullfight)

Two teams lock horns in a mock bullfight, where one member represents the bull and the other its rider. The ‘bull’ attempts to gore the ‘rider’ while the rider tries to subdue it.

Kotipale (Fly a Kite)

The skies during Sankranthi are adorned with vibrant kites of various shapes and sizes. Kite flying competitions are a popular pastime, with participants showcasing their skills and creativity.

Lagori

A fast-paced game played with a ball and seven stones arranged in a grid pattern. Teams take turns throwing the ball at the stones while the other team tries to rebuild the grid or catch the ball.

Pagati Chendu (Rope Ball)

Two teams compete in a tug-of-war using a rope with a cloth ball attached to the center. The team that pulls the ball across a predetermined line wins.

Vennamu (Stone Skipping)

A game of skill where players skip flat stones across a body of water. The goal is to skip the stone as many times as possible.

Impact of Sankranthi on Telugu Society and Economy

Economic Impact on Agriculture

Sankranthi marks the beginning of the agricultural season in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Farmers prepare their fields for the next harvest, and cattle are decorated and worshipped for their contribution to agriculture.

Social Impact on Family and Community

Sankranthi is a time for families to reunite and celebrate together. Traditional games like “Haridasulu” and “Pedda Pullu” are played, fostering a sense of community and strengthening family bonds.

Economic Impact on Retail and Tourism

The festival season brings a surge in retail activity. People purchase traditional clothes, jewelry, and sweets, boosting the local economy. Additionally, tourism increases during this time as people visit their ancestral villages to celebrate with their families.

Social Impact on Cultural Preservation

Sankranthi is an important cultural festival that preserves traditional practices and beliefs. It reinforces the importance of agriculture, family, and community in Telugu society.

Economic Impact on Transportation

During Sankranthi, there is a significant increase in transportation demand as people travel to their hometowns or visit relatives. This benefits transportation providers like railways and airlines.

Social Impact on Art and Culture

Sankranthi is associated with specific folk songs, dances, and cultural performances. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Telugu people.

Economic Impact on Hospitality and Food Industry

The festival season leads to a rise in demand for hotel accommodations and restaurants. Traditional dishes like “Pulihora” and “Sakkare Pongal” are prepared and enjoyed by families and friends.

Social Impact on Education and Knowledge Sharing

During Sankranthi, children learn about the significance of the festival, traditional customs, and the importance of family ties. It is also an opportunity for older generations to pass on cultural knowledge to the younger ones.

Economic Impact on Sports and Leisure

Sankranthi is a time for various sporting competitions, such as kite flying and bullock cart races. These activities provide entertainment and generate revenue for local sports clubs.

Impact on Trade and Commerce

The festival season witnesses increased trade and commerce, as businesses offer special promotions and discounts. This provides a boost to the overall economy.

Economic Impact	Social Impact
Agriculture	Family and Community
Retail and Tourism	Cultural Preservation
Transportation	Art and Culture
Hospitality and Food Industry	Education and Knowledge Sharing
Sports and Leisure
Trade and Commerce

Sankranti 2025 Telugu Calendar

Sankranti is a major festival celebrated in South India, particularly in the state of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is a harvest festival that marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. In 2025, Sankranti will fall on Wednesday, January 15th. The Telugu calendar for Sankranti 2025 provides detailed information about the festival, including the auspicious dates and times for various rituals and celebrations.

The festival of Sankranti is celebrated over three days, with each day having its own significance. The first day, known as Bhogi, is dedicated to the god of fire. On this day, people light bonfires and offer prayers to the fire god. The second day, known as Sankranti, is the main day of the festival. On this day, people visit temples, offer prayers to the Sun god, and exchange gifts. The third day, known as Kanuma, is dedicated to the cattle. On this day, people worship their cattle and decorate them with colorful decorations.