Makar Sankranti मकर संक्रांति
Falls on Sun enters Capricorn (Makar) · usually mid-January (≈14 Jan)
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on Sun enters Capricorn (Makar), usually in mid-January (≈14 Jan). It is a harvest thanksgiving and a solar new beginning. Uttarayan is regarded as an auspicious period for spiritual practice and important undertakings, and a holy dip on this day is believed to cleanse and bring merit.
Makar Sankranti at a glance
| Falls on | Sun enters Capricorn (Makar) |
| Usual month | mid-January (≈14 Jan) |
| Category | Harvest |
The story behind Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the day the Sun (Surya) enters Capricorn (Makar) and begins its northward journey, Uttarayan, considered a turn from darkness toward light. It is one of the few Hindu festivals fixed to the solar calendar, so it falls around 14 January every year.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
It is a harvest thanksgiving and a solar new beginning. Uttarayan is regarded as an auspicious period for spiritual practice and important undertakings, and a holy dip on this day is believed to cleanse and bring merit.
How Makar Sankranti is celebrated
- Taking a holy dip in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna or Godavari at sunrise
- Offering arghya (water) to the Sun and reciting Surya mantras
- Preparing and sharing til-gud (sesame–jaggery) sweets with the words ‘til-gud ghya, god god bola’
- Flying kites, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Donating khichdi, sesame, blankets and warm food to the needy
Regional variations
It is Pongal in Tamil Nadu (a four-day harvest festival), Uttarayan in Gujarat (the great kite festival), Maghi in Punjab, Bihu in Assam and Poush Sankranti in Bengal — one solar event, many regional celebrations.
Festive foods of Makar Sankranti
Traditional dishes prepared for Makar Sankranti include til-gud laddu and chikki, gajak, khichdi, pongal, puran poli.
Quick tips
- Bathe and offer arghya to the Sun at sunrise
- Share til-gud and donate warm clothing or food
Choosing the muhurat on Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti falls on Sun enters Capricorn (Makar). To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Makar Sankranti falls on Sun enters Capricorn (Makar) in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in mid-January (≈14 Jan). The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Makar Sankranti marks the day the Sun (Surya) enters Capricorn (Makar) and begins its northward journey, Uttarayan, considered a turn from darkness toward light. It is one of the few Hindu festivals fixed to the solar calendar, so it falls around 14 January every year.
How is Makar Sankranti observed?
Common observances include Taking a holy dip in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna or Godavari at sunrise; Offering arghya (water) to the Sun and reciting Surya mantras; Preparing and sharing til-gud (sesame–jaggery) sweets with the words ‘til-gud ghya, god god bola’; Flying kites, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
How is Makar Sankranti celebrated in different regions?
It is Pongal in Tamil Nadu (a four-day harvest festival), Uttarayan in Gujarat (the great kite festival), Maghi in Punjab, Bihu in Assam and Poush Sankranti in Bengal — one solar event, many regional celebrations.
What foods are made for Makar Sankranti?
Traditional dishes include til-gud laddu and chikki, gajak, khichdi, pongal, puran poli.