Makar Sankranti is one of India’s most ancient and vibrant festivals. Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is a solar event, meaning it almost always falls on January 14th or 15th.
In 2026, the festival is being celebrated today, January 14th, marking Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).
Here is why this day holds such profound importance across the country.
1. Uttarayan
The word Sankranti means “transition.” On this day, Sun begins its northward journey, known as Uttarayan.
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End of Winter: It marks the end of winter solstice and beginning of longer, warmer days.
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In ancient times, this was primary way of tracking the change in seasons. Today, it is celebrated as a moment when Earth moves out of the darker half of year and into lighter half.
2. A Harvest Celebration
For a country deeply rooted in agriculture, Makar Sankranti is a Harvest Festival.
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Farmers celebrate the successful reaping of the Rabi (winter) crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
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Because it is a harvest festival, it is celebrated under different names across India:
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Lohri: In Punjab, celebrated with bonfires and folk songs.
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Pongal: In Tamil Nadu, where a special dish of new rice and jaggery is boiled.
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Magh Bihu: In Assam, marked by community feasts in bamboo huts.
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Uttarayan: In Gujarat, where sky is filled with thousands of colorful kites.
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3. Spiritual and Mythological Roots
In Hindu philosophy, northward movement of Sun is considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth.
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In Mahabharata, the great warrior Bhishma Pitamah chose to wait for the onset of Uttarayan to leave his mortal body, as it was believed that passing away during this period leads to Moksha (salvation).
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Mythology also state that Lord Vishnu defeated demons on this day and buried their heads under Mandara Mountain, symbolizing triumph of righteousness.
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Millions of devotees flock to sacred rivers like Ganga or Yamuna to take a holy dip, believing it cleanses soul of past sins and brings a fresh start.
4. The Message of Sweetness and Health
The most iconic tradition of Makar Sankranti is exchange of Til-Gul (sesame seeds and jaggery).
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Social Harmony: In Maharashtra, people exchange these sweets while saying, “Til-gul ghya, god god bola” (Accept this til-gul and speak sweet words). It is a time to resolve old conflicts and renew friendships.
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Health Benefits: From a scientific perspective, consuming sesame and jaggery during the peak of winter provides the body with necessary warmth and healthy fats to combat the dry cold.
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Vitamin D: The tradition of kite flying was originally intended to keep people outdoors in the early morning sun, allowing them to soak up Vitamin D after a long, indoor winter.
One Festival, Many Names
| Region | Name of Festival | Primary Custom |
| Gujarat/Rajasthan | Uttarayan | International Kite Flying |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal | Boiling new rice in a pot |
| Punjab/Haryana | Lohri / Maghi | Bonfires and popcorn/rewari |
| Assam | Magh Bihu | Community feasts and bonfires |
| UP/Bihar | Khichdi | Consuming and donating rice/lentils |
Makar Sankranti is a beautiful reminder that every ending (winter/darkness) is simply a precursor to a new beginning (spring/light).