What is Makar Sankranti, and when is it in 2025?

Makar Sankranti is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in India. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), signalling the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. This celestial event is seen as a turning point for farmers, as it is believed to bring about a favourable climate for the harvest season. Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with great enthusiasm, though the customs and traditions vary depending on the region.

In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14th. The date varies every year, but it is typically observed between January 13th and 15th. This festival is considered highly auspicious as it is a day to give thanks for the harvest and to seek blessings for prosperity in the coming year.

Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated & How to Celebrate?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated primarily to honour the Sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, a movement that signifies the return of longer days and the end of the cold winter months. It holds agricultural significance, especially for farmers, as it heralds the harvesting season. The day marks the beginning of the harvest of crops like sugarcane, sesame, and rice, making it a joyful occasion. It also holds spiritual importance, as it is believed that taking a holy dip in rivers on Makar Sankranti washes away sins and brings prosperity.

Celebrations for Makar Sankranti vary from region to region, but some common practices include:

  1. Bonfires: Lighting bonfires is a central part of the celebration in many regions, symbolising the burning away of the cold and the arrival of warmth. People gather around the fire, sing traditional songs, and celebrate the harvest.

  2. Flying Kites: In several parts of India, especially Gujarat and Rajasthan, flying kites is a popular activity. The sky is filled with colourful kites as people engage in friendly competitions.

  3. Sweets: Traditional sweets made from jaggery and sesame (til) are consumed as they symbolise good health and the arrival of sweetness in life. Popular sweets include tilgul (sesame and jaggery balls), Puran Poli, and Pongal.

  4. Community Feasts: Many regions host communal feasts where people gather to enjoy a variety of traditional dishes, dance, and celebrate the harvest.

How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated in Different States of India?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India, but the customs and rituals vary greatly from state to state, each region bringing its own flavour to the festivities. Below are some of the unique ways Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different states:

  • Lohri, Punjab: In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri. The festival is centred around bonfires, where people gather to dance the Bhangra and Gidda around a huge fire, symbolising the warmth and prosperity brought by the sun. Traditionally, the bonfire is accompanied by the offerings of sesame seeds, jaggery, and sugarcane. Lohri also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of the harvest season. Popular sweets like tilgul and peanut chikki are exchanged among friends and family. Traditional Recipe: Makki Di Roti and Sarson Da Saag.

  • Magh Bihu, Assam: In Assam, Makar Sankranti is known as Magh Bihu, celebrated with a focus on feasts and rituals that thank the gods for a good harvest. The festival is marked by the preparation of "Bihu" dishes, such as Pithas (traditional Assamese sweets), and the lighting of the ceremonial Bihu fire. People also perform the "Bihu Dance" around the fire. The festival is a celebration of the agricultural season, with offerings made to ensure a good harvest in the upcoming year. Traditional Recipe: Til Pitha and Kakra.

  • Poush Sankranti, West Bengal: Known as Poush Sankranti in Bengal, this festival is famous for its delicacies made from rice and jaggery. The day is celebrated with traditional songs, feasts, and the preparation of sweets like "Pithe" (rice cakes) and "Narkel Naru" (coconut and jaggery sweets). Poush Sankranti marks the end of winter and is a time for families to come together and celebrate the harvest. Traditional Recipe: Pati Shapta and Narkel Naru.

  • Uttarayan, Gujarat: Uttarayan is one of the most famous celebrations of Makar Sankranti, particularly in Gujarat. The sky is filled with kites as people participate in the annual kite-flying festival. This day is dedicated to the harvest, and people exchange tilgul, enjoy delicious food, and spend time with family and friends. The festival also includes traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya. Traditional Recipe: Undhiyu and Khaman Dhokla.

  • Pedda Padunga, Andhra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh, the festival is called Pedda Padunga, where people celebrate by preparing traditional dishes like Pongal. On this day, rice, sugarcane, and other seasonal crops are offered as thanks to the Sun God for the good harvest. Farmers pay homage to nature and the Sun, seeking blessings for the coming harvest. Traditional Recipe: Ariselu and Chakkara Pongal.

  • Pongal, Tamil Nadu: Pongal is the most significant festival of Makar Sankranti in Tamil Nadu. The festival, named after the dish "Pongal," is celebrated by offering the first of the harvested rice to the Sun God. The preparation of Pongal (both sweet and savoury) symbolises the beginning of the harvest. The festivities are also marked by traditional rituals, kolam (rangoli) designs, and the worship of cattle, which are important for farming. Traditional Recipe: Sakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pongal) and Ven Pongal (Savoury Pongal).

8 Must-Have Kitchen Appliances for Festive Makar Sankranti Recipes

Makar Sankranti is a festival that brings families together, filled with delicious food, traditional sweets, and hearty meals. From making sweet dishes like tilgul and til chikki to preparing savoury snacks, having the right kitchen appliances can make your festive cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are eight must-have kitchen appliances for preparing Makar Sankranti recipes:

  1. Prestige Endura Mixer Grinder: A powerful mixer grinder like the Prestige Endura 1000W Mixer Grinder is essential for grinding ingredients like sesame seeds, jaggery, and spices that are commonly used in Makar Sankranti recipes. With its efficient motor and multiple jar sizes, it can help you prepare everything from chutneys to sweets like tilgul and til chikki. Its stainless steel jars and sharp blades make it easy to handle both wet and dry grinding needs, ensuring you achieve perfect consistency for your festive dishes.

  2. Prestige Partner Stainless Steel Food Processor 1000 W: The Prestige Partner 1000W Stainless Steel Food Processor is a versatile kitchen companion that can chop, slice, knead dough, and more. When preparing a variety of traditional Makar Sankranti dishes such as Puran Poli, Pithas, and Pongal, this food processor saves you time and effort. With its multiple attachments and powerful motor, it ensures you get consistent results for all your cooking needs during the festive season.

  3. Prestige PIC 31.0 V4 Induction Cooktop 2000 W: The Prestige PIC 31.0 V4 Induction Cooktop is an energy-efficient and precise cooking appliance, making it ideal for cooking festive dishes that require slow, steady heat. Dishes like Pongal, khichdi, or even stews benefit from the consistent temperature control this induction cooktop provides. With its sleek design and quick heating capabilities, it ensures you can cook efficiently while conserving energy during the busy Makar Sankranti celebrations.

  4. Prestige Nutrifry Electric Digital Air Fryer: The Prestige Nutrifry Digital Air Fryer is perfect for making healthier versions of fried snacks like vadas or kachoris. Using little to no oil, this air fryer allows you to create crispy and delicious treats, making it an essential addition to your kitchen during Makar Sankranti. With its easy-to-use digital controls and multiple preset options, you can prepare festive snacks without compromising on taste or health.

  5. Prestige Electric Kettle: The Prestige Electric Kettle is perfect for quickly boiling water or milk, making it an essential appliance when preparing traditional teas, warm desserts, or soaking ingredients like dal for Pongal or other festive dishes. With its rapid boiling feature, it reduces the time spent on basic tasks, allowing you to focus on preparing the more intricate dishes for your celebrations.

  6. Prestige Svachh Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker: A high-quality pressure cooker like the Prestige Svachh Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker is indispensable for cooking rice and lentils quickly, especially for dishes like Pongal, khichdi, or traditional stews. Its advanced technology ensures even cooking, and the Svachh feature helps reduce spills, keeping your kitchen clean while you cook. It’s designed for efficiency, ensuring your ingredients are cooked evenly and in a short amount of time.

  7. Prestige Hand Blender: The Prestige Hand Blender is ideal for blending soups, sauces, or even making smoothies for the after-feast wind-down. Its ergonomic design and easy-to-use features make it perfect for quickly mixing ingredients or pureeing festive treats. Compact and easy to store, it’s a must-have for busy kitchens where space is limited.

  8. Prestige Grill Pan: For those who love grilling, the Prestige Grill Pan allows you to prepare Makar Sankranti treats like Tandoori Paneer, vegetables, and skewers with ease. It helps recreate the smoky flavours of grilling without requiring a traditional barbecue setup. The non-stick surface ensures your food cooks evenly and doesn’t stick, making cleanup easy after your festive grilling sessions.

Why You Should Purchase Kitchen Appliances During Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is the time to gather around the family, prepare traditional foods, and celebrate the harvest. Purchasing kitchen appliances during this festive period can be a great investment for your cooking needs.

  1. Seasonal Discounts: Many brands and retailers offer discounts and special deals during Makar Sankranti, allowing you to purchase essential kitchen appliances at discounted prices. It’s the perfect time to invest in the tools you need to make your cooking experience seamless and efficient.

  2. Upgrade Your Cooking Experience: With new appliances, you can enhance your cooking process, making it quicker, easier, and more efficient. Whether it’s the ability to grind ingredients faster with a powerful mixer grinder or the convenience of an induction cooktop for precise cooking, these appliances can elevate your festive cooking.

  3. Save Time and Effort: With festive cooking often involving multiple dishes and ingredients, the right kitchen appliances can save you time. Whether you’re cooking in large batches or preparing intricate sweets, these appliances help streamline the process, allowing you to focus on spending quality time with your loved ones.

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How to Get These Appliances for Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is an excellent time to elevate your festive cooking experience by investing in high-quality kitchen appliances. Whether you're looking to purchase a mixer grinder, air fryer, induction cooktop, or any other essential appliance, this season offers the perfect opportunity to get these items at great prices. Here's how you can get your hands on the best appliances for Makar Sankranti:

  1. Visit the TTK Prestige Official Website: The Shop TTK Prestige website is a one-stop shop for all your kitchen appliance needs. During Makar Sankranti, they often run exclusive promotions, festive discounts, and deals on various appliances like pressure cookers, mixers, and induction cooktops. You can easily browse through their collection, select the appliances that suit your cooking needs, and avail yourself of attractive offers. The TTK Prestige site also provides detailed product descriptions, specifications, and customer reviews, helping you make informed decisions about your purchase.

  2. Check out the latest offers & discounts: TTK Prestige frequently runs seasonal offers, especially around festive periods like Makar Sankranti. Visit their promotions page to check out the latest discounts and deals. From discounted bundles to special Makar Sankranti offers, you can grab the best appliances for your kitchen at a fraction of the price. Keep an eye on flash sales, cashback offers, and even free delivery options that can further enhance your shopping experience. Signing up for their newsletter can also give you access to exclusive offers that are only available to subscribers.

  3. Explore Exclusive Festive Bundles: TTK Prestige also offers festive bundles that are tailored to help you with all your cooking needs during Makar Sankranti. These bundles might include popular items like the Prestige Induction Cooktop, Mixer Grinder, and Electric Kettle at a discounted price. Bundles are a great way to save money while getting all the essential appliances you need to create a perfect festive spread.

  4. Buy from TTK Prestige’s Offline Stores: If you prefer shopping in person, you can visit Prestige Exclusive stores. These stores offer a wide range of appliances with the added benefit of experiencing the products firsthand. The store representatives can guide you in selecting the best appliances for your needs. Furthermore, during Makar Sankranti, many stores offer in-store discounts and festive offers, so visiting the store can help you take advantage of these deals.

  5. Order Through Online Marketplaces: Prestige products are also available on popular online websites. This platform often has seasonal sales during Makar Sankranti, allowing you to avail yourself of deals on kitchen appliances. You can compare prices, check reviews, and get your products delivered straight to your doorstep in no time.

By visiting the TTK Prestige page or their affiliated platforms, you can explore a wide selection of kitchen essentials, check out ongoing offers, and purchase the right appliances for your Makar Sankranti celebrations. Don’t miss out on the chance to make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable with high-quality appliances that meet your festive needs.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Makar Sankranti Festive Season

Makar Sankranti is the perfect time to celebrate with loved ones, indulge in traditional foods, and enjoy the warmth of the season. By investing in the right kitchen appliances, you can ensure that your festive cooking is efficient and enjoyable. From mixers and grinders to induction cooktops and pressure cookers, the right appliances can help you prepare delicious Makar Sankranti recipes with ease. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your kitchen and make this Makar Sankranti even more special.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A. A mixer grinder, food processor, and electric kettle are ideal for grinding ingredients and preparing sweets like tilgul and Puran Poli. An air fryer can also be used to make healthier versions of fried snacks.

A. Yes, an induction cooktop is perfect for making Pongal as it allows for precise temperature control and ensures even cooking. It’s efficient and fast, which is ideal for festive meals.

A. You can buy kitchen appliances online on platforms like Shop TTK Prestige or visit physical retail stores. During Makar Sankranti, many brands offer special discounts and deals.

A. Yes, appliances like a pressure cooker, electric kettle, and food processor can significantly reduce cooking time by speeding up the preparation of ingredients and cooking processes.

A. Makar Sankranti is a festive season where many retailers offer seasonal discounts. It's a great time to upgrade your kitchen with appliances that will enhance your cooking experience and make festive preparations easier.