Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year around 14 January across India. In 2026, it falls on Wednesday, 14 January. It is a pan-India harvest festival, known by different names such as Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, Khichdi, Uttarayan, reflecting India’s regional diversity. Being closely linked with agriculture, it holds special significance for farming communities.
About Makar Sankranti
Solar and astronomical basis
- Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar, unlike most festivals that follow the lunar calendar.
- It marks the Sun’s transition into the Capricorn (Makara) zodiac sign.
- This transition signifies the beginning of the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan).
- It represents the end of winter and the onset of longer days and warmer months.
Agrarian and seasonal significance
- Celebrated as a harvest festival, it marks the completion of the winter crop harvest.
- It symbolises gratitude towards nature for agricultural abundance.
- The festival signals the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, making it vital for rural and agrarian communities.
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated around 14 January every year?
- The festival follows the solar cycle, hence it falls on almost the same date every year.
- In some years or regions, it may be observed a day later, especially during leap years.
- The Sun’s movement into Capricorn is considered highly auspicious and marks Uttarayan, a phase associated with growth, prosperity, and renewal.
Astronomical significance
- Astronomically, Makar Sankranti marks the start of Uttarayan, the six-month northward journey of the Sun.
- From this day onward, days become longer and nights shorter.
- The period is associated with positive cosmic energy and is considered ideal for religious and spiritual practices.
Cultural and social significance
- Farmers celebrate the completion of harvests of crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane.
- Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God (Surya), acknowledging the Sun as the source of life and energy.
- Ritual baths in sacred rivers, charity, and early-morning prayers are common.
- Exchanging sweets made of sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) symbolises warmth, harmony, and strengthened social bonds.
Mythological and historical associations
- One legend associates the day with Lord Vishnu’s victory over the demon Sankarasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
- Another belief links the day to Narashansa, regarded as the first preceptor of righteousness in the Kaliyuga.
- In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah chose to leave his mortal body during Uttarayan, believing it to be an auspicious period granting liberation (iccha mrityu).
- Sankranti is also worshipped as a goddess who defeated the demon Sankarasur, reinforcing the festival’s auspicious nature.
Regional names and celebrations
The festival is celebrated across India under different names and traditions:
Tamil Nadu – Pongal
- A four-day festival: Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.
- Homes are decorated with kolams, cattle are honoured, and special dishes like sweet pongal are prepared.
Punjab – Lohri
- Celebrated on the eve of Makar Sankranti.
- Marked by bonfires, folk songs, dancing, and offerings of groundnuts and sweets.
Assam – Magh Bihu / Bhogali Bihu
- Celebrated with community feasts, meji bonfires, and traditional foods.
- Special delicacies include pitha, laru, and jolpan.
- Fish festivals are common in many regions.
Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh – Khichdi Parwa
- People prepare and consume khichdi (rice and lentils).
- Holy dips in rivers and charitable acts are common.
West Bengal – Poush Sankranti / Paush Parbon
- Known for sweets made of jaggery and rice flour.
- Ganga Sagar Mela is held during this period, with ritual river dips.
Gujarat and Rajasthan – Uttarayan
- Famous for kite flying, with skies filled with colourful kites.
- Ahmedabad hosts an international kite festival every year.
Maharashtra and Karnataka
- People exchange tilgul sweets with the message of speaking sweetly and maintaining harmony.
Food traditions
- Food plays a central role in celebrations across India.
- Common festive items include tilgul laddoos, chikkis, pongal, payasam, khichdi, gul poli and other seasonal dishes.
- These foods are nutritious, suitable for winter, and symbolise sweetness in relationships.