Makar Sankranti 2026, celebrated on January 14, marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayan, symbolising new beginnings, harvest, and positivity. Observed across India in diverse regional forms, the festival blends spiritual meaning, agricultural gratitude, vibrant traditions like kite flying, and the sharing of sesame and jaggery sweets to spread warmth, harmony, and joy.
As the winter chill begins to recede and the first hints of spring emerge, India prepares to welcome one of its most ancient and joyous festivals. Makar Sankranti is not just a date on the calendar; it is a vibrant emotion that ripples across the country, painting the sky with colourful kites and filling our homes with the aroma of sesame and jaggery. It marks a significant transition, a time when we bid farewell to the shorter days and welcome the warmth of the sun into our lives. Let us explore the beauty, tradition, and happiness that defines Makar Sankranti in 2026.
When is Makar Sankranti 2026?
This year, we will be celebrating Makar Sankranti on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Unlike many other Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar and change dates every year, Makar Sankranti follows the solar cycle. It almost always falls on the 14th of January, marking the day the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi).
What is Makar Sankranti?
At its core, Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival and an astronomical event. The word ‘Makar’ refers to the zodiac sign Capricorn, and ‘Sankranti’ means transition or movement. Therefore, the festival signifies the transition of the Sun into Capricorn. This celestial movement marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the sun’s journey northward, known as Uttarayan. It is considered a highly auspicious period in Indian culture, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
The festival holds deep roots in Hindu mythology. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu ended the reign of the demons by burying their heads under the Mandar Parvat. Additionally, Bhishma Pitamah, the grand patriarch of the Mahabharata, chose to leave his mortal body on this auspicious day during Uttarayan, as it is considered the most favorable time for spiritual liberation.
The Significance of Makar Sankranti
The significance of this day goes far beyond agriculture and astronomy. Spiritually, it is a time for introspection and renewal. Just as the sun begins a new journey, we are encouraged to let go of past grievances and start afresh. It is a day dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, who is worshipped as the source of all energy and life on Earth. Farmers express their gratitude for a bountiful harvest, praying for prosperity in the coming seasons.
Agricultural Importance: For the farming community, Makar Sankranti marks the end of the harvest season. The granaries are full, and there is a sense of abundance and prosperity. Crops like wheat, sugarcane, rice, and pulses are harvested around this time, making it a true celebration of nature’s bounty.
Spiritual Significance: The six-month period following Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan, which is considered extremely auspicious for spiritual practices, meditation, and religious ceremonies. Hindus believe that souls departing during Uttarayan attain moksha (liberation) more easily.
Social Harmony: The festival promotes social bonding and community spirit. People visit each other’s homes, exchange sweets, forget old disputes, and strengthen relationships. It’s a time when social barriers diminish, and everyone comes together in celebration.
“As the sun starts its northward journey, let us come together and celebrate the season of opulence with love, peace, and joy. Wishing you a very Happy Makar Sankranti.”
Regional Celebrations Across India
One of the most beautiful aspects of Makar Sankranti is its diversity. While the spirit remains the same, the festival wears different names and traditions across various states:
- Uttarayan in Gujarat and Rajasthan: The sky becomes a battlefield of colourful kites. International kite festivals are organized, and people spend entire days on rooftops with family and friends. Special foods like undhiyu and chikki are prepared.
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu: A four-day harvest festival where a special dish called ‘Pongal’ is prepared. The celebration includes Bhogi (day one), Thai Pongal (day two), Mattu Pongal (day three dedicated to cattle), and Kaanum Pongal (day four for family gatherings).
- Lohri in Punjab and Haryana: Celebrated usually a day before Makar Sankranti, with bonfires, singing traditional songs, dancing bhangra and gidda. Peanuts, popcorn, and rewri are thrown into the fire as offerings.
- Magh Bihu in Assam: Marked by feasts, community gatherings, and bonfires called ‘Meji’ and ‘Bhelaghar’. Traditional Assamese delicacies like til pitha, laru, and curd are prepared.
- Khichdi Parv in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Where ritual bathing in holy rivers and eating Khichdi with ghee is customary. The day is also called Til Sankranti or Dahi Chura festival.
- Makara Sankranti in Karnataka: Women exchange ellu birodhu (a mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, and peanuts) and say “Ellu bella thindu olle maathadi” (eat sesame and jaggery and speak good words).
- Poush Sankranti in West Bengal: A day for making and enjoying pithe (rice cakes), patishapta, and other sweet delicacies. The Gangasagar Mela, one of India’s largest fairs, takes place during this time.
Traditional Foods and Delicacies
No Indian festival is complete without its signature foods. On Makar Sankranti, the kitchen is ruled by two main ingredients: Til (Sesame) and Gur (Jaggery). According to Ayurveda, eating sesame and jaggery during winter keeps the body warm and boosts immunity.
In Maharashtra, people exchange multi-colored sweets made of sesame seeds and sugar, known as ‘Til-gul’. In many northern states, ‘Khichdi’ (a mix of rice and lentils) is prepared and eaten, symbolizing nutritional balance. Other delicacies include ‘Pitha’ in Bengal, ‘Gajak’ and ‘Rewri’ in northern and central India, ‘Ellu Unde’ in Karnataka, ‘Ariselu’ in Andhra Pradesh, and ‘Til Ladoo’ across various regions.
The use of sesame and jaggery is not just traditional but also scientific. During winter, our body needs extra warmth and energy. Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, calcium, and protein, while jaggery provides instant energy and helps maintain body temperature. Together, they create the perfect winter superfood combination that has been used for centuries in Indian households.
“Til gul ghya, god god bola.”
(Accept this sesame sweet and speak sweet words.)
The Joy of Kite Flying
Perhaps the most visually stunning tradition associated with Makar Sankranti is kite flying. The clear blue winter sky becomes a canvas filled with kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. From rooftops and open grounds, shouts of “Kai Po Che!” (I have cut the kite!) echo through the air. While it is great fun, there is also a health benefit: spending hours in the mild morning sun allows the body to absorb Vitamin D, which is essential after the long winter months.
The tradition of kite flying has both symbolic and practical meanings. Symbolically, it represents our connection with the divine and our aspirations soaring high. Practically, it exposes our skin to the early morning sun rays, which are rich in Vitamin D and help cure skin infections and ailments common during winter. Cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Hyderabad host grand kite festivals where enthusiasts from around the world participate. The night sky is also illuminated with illuminated kites called “tukkals”, creating a magical spectacle.
Rituals and Customs
The day often begins before sunrise. Devotees flock to rivers, especially the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, for a holy dip, believing it cleanses them of past sins. Following the bath, it is customary to offer prayers to the Sun God. Charity is another pillar of this festival. Giving donations, food, blankets, or clothes to the needy on this day is considered highly meritorious and brings good fortune.
Key Rituals Include:
- Holy Bath (Snana): Taking a dip in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, or Kaveri at sunrise is believed to wash away sins and bring spiritual merit.
- Surya Puja: Worshipping the Sun God with water, flowers, and incense while chanting mantras like “Om Suryaya Namaha”.
- Charity (Daan): Donating food grains, sesame seeds, jaggery, warm clothes, blankets, and money to the poor and needy. It is said that “Giving during Sankranti multiplies the blessings manifold.”
- Feeding Animals and Birds: Many people feed cows, birds, and other animals as a gesture of gratitude towards all living beings.
- Ancestor Worship: Paying respects to ancestors and performing rituals for their peace is common in many households.
The Message of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti teaches us the importance of movement and change. Just as the sun moves to bring warmth, we too must move forward in life, shedding the coldness of our ego and anger. The tradition of mixing sesame and jaggery teaches us to stick together despite our differences, creating a bond that is sweet and unbreakable.
“May the brightness of the sun and the sweetness of jaggery fill your life with happiness and success.”
Conclusion
As we step into Makar Sankranti 2026, let us embrace the warmth it brings to our relationships and our lives. Whether you are flying a kite, enjoying a bowl of sweet Pongal, or simply soaking in the winter sun, take a moment to appreciate the cycles of nature. It is a time to forgive, to share, and to rejoice. Here is to new beginnings, bountiful harvests, and a year filled with the sweetness of Til-gul.
Happy Makar Sankranti!
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