Makar Sankranti is a joyful Hindu festival celebrated every January to honor the Sun God's journey from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike other Hindu festivals based on the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti follows the solar calendar, making it unique and auspicious.
The word "Makar" means Capricorn, and "Sankranti" means transition, marking the sun's movement into Capricorn. This shift brings longer days and signals the start of harvest season.
Families gather to pray, take holy dips in rivers, and express gratitude to Mother Earth as winter fades. Traditional sweets made with sesame seeds (til) and jaggery symbolize warmth and prosperity.
It's a beautiful time of renewal, thanksgiving, and celebrating nature's blessings across India. Experience this vibrant festival with our curated India Holiday Packages and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Makar Sankranti 2026.
When is Makar Sankranti 2026?
Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 2:49:42 PM IST. This marks the sun's sacred entry into Capricorn, symbolizing new beginnings, divine blessings from Lord Surya, and the harvest season.
Auspicious Timings (Punya Kala):
- Full Auspicious Window: 2:49 PM - 5:45 PM IST
- Mahapunya Kaal (Most Auspicious): 2:49 PM - 3:13 PM IST
The Mahapunya Kaal is the most powerful time for rituals, holy dips, prayers, and seeking prosperity. The celebration of Makar Sankranti during these sacred hours brings maximum blessings.
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Makar Sankranti: Significance & Astrological Importance
This festival celebrates a good harvest and welcomes prosperity. It marks the Sun's northward journey, called Uttarayana, which is considered a lucky time in Hindu beliefs. Here's why it's important:
- Celebrating the Harvest: Farmers thank the Sun and Earth for healthy crops and a successful season.
- Auspicious Timing: Many people believe this period is perfect for starting new projects, making big decisions, and seeking divine blessings.
- Bringing People Together: Every state celebrates Makar Sankranti differently, showing India's rich culture and unity in diversity.
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Rituals Associated with Makar Sankranti
- Sun Worship (Surya Puja): People offer prayers and thanks to the Sun God for health and prosperity.
- Holy River Baths: Taking a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari is believed to purify the soul.
- Charity and Giving: Donating food, clothes, and money to those in need is an important tradition during this festival.
Why Kite Flying Is a Big Part of Makar Sankranti?
Flying kites during Makar Sankranti is a joyful tradition that marks fresh beginnings. It reflects letting go of old worries and welcoming new, positive energy.
People also enjoy kite flying because the festival brings clear skies and warm sunshine, perfect weather to celebrate outdoors with family and friends.
Traditional Foods of Makar Sankranti
- Til-Gud Laddoos: Sweet balls made with sesame seeds and jaggery that keep the body warm and healthy.
- Puran Poli: A delicious sweet flatbread enjoyed in Maharashtra during the festival.
- Khichdi: A simple, comforting dish made with rice and lentils, especially popular in North India.
- Pongal: A special rice dish from Tamil Nadu, made either sweet or savory for the celebration.
How India Celebrates Makar Sankranti: Regional Traditions
Makar Sankranti is celebrated uniquely across India, with each state adding its own flavour to the harvest season.
1. Gujarat - Uttarayan & Kite Festival: Makar Sankranti Gujarat, known as Uttarayan, fills the sky with colourful kites. The Makar Sankranti Kite Festival in Ahmedabad features rooftop competitions, traditional foods like undhiyu and chikki, and an all-day festive atmosphere.
2. Tamil Nadu - Thai Pongal: Tamil Nadu celebrates Thai Pongal, a four-day harvest festival. Families cook sweet rice (Pongal) in clay pots, create kolam designs, and honour cattle for their agricultural contributions.
3. Maharashtra - Til-Gud Exchange: Makar Sankranti Maharashtra features exchanging til-gud sweets with the phrase "Til-gud ghya, god god bola," symbolizing warmth and togetherness in relationships.
4. Assam - Bhogali Bihu: Assam celebrates with grand feasts (bhoj), bonfires (meji), traditional games, and pithas (rice cakes) to enjoy the harvest bounty together.
5. Punjab - Lohri: Punjab's Lohri features bonfires, folk songs, and dances. Families gather to pray for prosperity while enjoying rewri, gajak, and popcorn.
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Things You Can Do on Makar Sankranti Festival in India
Makar Sankranti brings joy and traditions. Here are simple ways you can celebrate this special festival with your loved ones.
1. Fly Kites: You can gather on rooftops with family and friends to fly colourful kites. Enjoy friendly kite fights and watch the sky fill with colors while celebrating together.
2. Light Bonfires: You can sit around warm bonfires in the evening with your community. Sing traditional songs, dance, and let go of negativity while welcoming fresh starts and positivity.
3. Create Colourful Rangolis: You can make beautiful rangoli designs outside your home using coloured powders, flowers, or rice. Show your creativity and welcome good luck with these bright patterns.
4. Cook Traditional Foods: You can prepare delicious festival dishes like Tilgul, Undhiyu, Makki roti, or sesame laddoos. Use fresh ingredients and enjoy special meals with your loved ones.
5. Visit Fairs and Cultural Shows: You can attend local fairs and cultural programs to enjoy music, dance, and performances. Experience the festive energy and support local artists and traditions.
Want to know where to celebrate? Check out our guide on the best places to visit in Makar Sankranti 2026. Before you plan where to celebrate, checking the Makar Sankranti weather in India helps you enjoy outdoor traditions like kite flying and bonfires comfortably.
Makar Sakranti - Festival of Joy & Traditions
Makar Sakranti is a heartwarming celebration of sunshine, gratitude, and new beginnings. People welcome the day with prayers, traditional foods, and joyful gatherings. Families also embrace Makar Sankranti decoration by adorning their homes with bright rangolis and festive elements, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
While Makar Sankranti in Ahmedabad is especially famous for its vibrant skies, the spirit of kite flying goes far beyond Gujarat; many states host their own colourful celebrations during the Makar Sakranti kite festival.
Wherever you celebrate, Makar Sakranti brings families together to share sweets, enjoy traditions, and embrace the harvest season. It’s a beautiful time to experience India’s culture, warmth, and festive energy with your loved ones.
