Last updated on January 8th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
Makar Sankranti is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. Falling on January 14, 2025, this festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).
The word Sankranti denotes the sun’s transition between zodiac signs in Indian astronomy.
Makar Sankranti 2025: A Pan-India Celebration of Harvest and Hope
Makar Sankranti is one of those rare Indian festivals that manages to feel both familiar and entirely new each year.
No matter where you grew up—whether you watched kites dancing in Delhi’s winter sky or savored tilgul in Maharashtra—the festival brings a warm sense of belonging.
But behind the colorful traditions lies a rich history, astronomical significance, and beautiful regional diversity.
Let’s understand the meaning behind the customs, and explore why this festival has been celebrated for thousands of years.
The History and Significance of Makar Sankranti
Imagine ancient sky-watchers observing the Sun’s journey, waiting for the moment it began moving northward again. That moment – Uttarayan became Makar Sankranti.
Did You Know: Unlike festivals that shift with the lunar calendar, this one stays almost fixed because it follows the solar cycle.
The Sun entering Makara (Capricorn) marks longer days, renewed warmth, and a symbolic turning of the cosmic page.
For farming communities, this shift meant something very real: the harvest season.
It was time to gather crops, celebrate abundance, and express gratitude to nature, the Sun God, and the animals that made farming possible.
The festival also became associated with new beginnings—the idea that when the Sun moves toward the light, so can we.
Ancient texts like the Mahabharata even reference this sacred period. Bhishma Pitamah, lying on his bed of arrows, chose to leave his mortal body during Uttarayan, believing it to be spiritually liberating.
Makar Sankranti, therefore, became a moment marked by hope, purity, and spiritual clarity.
The Spiritual Significance of Uttarayan
To truly understand Makar Sankranti, we must look beyond the harvest, the food, and the kites, and pause for a moment on the quiet yet powerful idea of Uttarayan.
In Indian philosophy, Uttarayan—the Sun’s northward journey—is more than an astronomical event.
It is a metaphor for movement toward light, clarity, and higher consciousness.
As the Sun begins to travel north, the days grow longer. Ancient Indians saw this as nature’s way of shifting from stillness to activity, from cold dormancy to renewed energy.
Uttarayan reminds people that even after the longest nights, warmth and light always return.
Fun fact: The northward movement of the Sun during Uttarayan is also called the “path of the gods” in Hindu scriptures.
Introducing Makar Sankranti to Kids
Parents often use Sankranti as an opportunity to introduce children to India’s geography, food traditions, and ancient stories. It’s a gentle way to stay rooted while living far from home.
1. Enjoy this delightful video about the festival of Makar Sankranti for kids.
2. Cook a Simple Festival Dish Together
Involve kids in preparing:
- Tilgul laddoos (easy rolling activity)
- Khichdi (comforting and symbolic)
- Pongal (kids can help stir)
Explain why we use sesame, jaggery, and newly harvested ingredients. Food becomes a storytelling tool.
3. Encourage Small Acts of Kindness
Have kids choose one simple act:
- Share treats with neighbors
- Donate gently used clothes
- Help cook or clean
This brings the spirit of the festival into their everyday lives.
4. Share Simple Stories
Behind every Indian festival lies a treasure chest of stories. Makar Sankranti is no exception. Over thousands of years, different regions, families, and traditions have passed down tales that explain not just how the festival is celebrated, but why it holds such a sacred place in our cultural memory.
If you’re celebrating Makar Sankranti with children, reading together is a lovely way to slow the day down. I’ve shared a separate post on children’s books for Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal that help explain the season through stories.
You can use them as bedtime stories for your kids, as conversation starters at home, or as a bridge to exploring beautifully illustrated books and mythology texts.
Regional Variations of Makar Sankranti: One Festival, Many Stories
While the essence of Makar Sankranti remains the same across India, each state adds its unique flavor to the celebrations.
From colorful kites soaring in Gujarat’s skies to the sweet aroma of Pongal in Tamil Nadu, the diversity is truly awe-inspiring.
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti transforms into Uttarayan, a grand two-day celebration. The word ‘Uttara’ signifies north, and ‘Ayana’ indicates six months.
The skies come alive with vibrant kites, and people gather on terraces, competing to cut each other’s kites while shouting, “Kai Po Che!”
Special snacks like Undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and Jalebi are savored during this time.
Fun fact: Gujarat alone flies over 200 million kites during Uttarayan!
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day event dedicated to thanking nature.
The dish Pongal—literally meaning “to boil over”—is cooked outdoors in new pots using freshly harvested rice.
The bubbling over of the pot is welcomed with cheers because it symbolizes prosperity overflowing into the household.
Kolams bloom at doorsteps, and cows are honored for their role in farming.
Homes are adorned with Kolams (rangoli) made from rice flour, and cows are worshipped as a mark of respect.
3. Punjab: Lohri and the warmth of Bonfires
In Punjab, the eve of Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, marking the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.
Bonfires are lit, and people gather around to sing folk songs, perform the bhangra dance, and enjoy makki di roti and sarson da saag (corn flatbread and mustard greens).
Makar Sankranti is known as Maghi in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
Read All About the festival of Lohri.
4. Maharashtra: Tilgul and Sweet Exchanges
In Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is a day of sweetness and togetherness.
Families prepare Tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) and distribute them with the phrase, “Tilgul ghya, god god bola” (“Take these sweets and speak sweetly”).
Women also host Haldi-kumkum gatherings, exchanging gifts and blessings.
5. West Bengal: Poush Sankranti and Sacred Waters
In West Bengal, the festival is called Poush Sankranti and coincides with the famous Ganga Sagar Mela.
Gangasagar, a pilgrimage site in West Bengal, attracts thousands who take a dip in the Ganges at its confluence with the Bay of Bengal on Makar Sankranti.
Special dishes, such as pithas (rice cakes) and sweets made from date palm jaggery, are a highlight.
6. Karnataka — Sankranti
Families exchange Ellu Bella (sesame, jaggery, coconut, peanuts) and say: “Ellu bella thindu olle maathadi,” meaning “Eat this and speak good words.” Decorated cattle and community gatherings are a big part of the celebrations.
7. Andhra Pradesh — Pedda Panduga / Sankranti
Here, Sankranti is a multi-day festival:
- Bhogi – old things are discarded to welcome new beginnings
- Makar Sankranti – the main harvest festival
- Kanuma – honoring cattle, especially cows and oxen
The festival is celebrated as Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu. Youngsters build makeshift huts from leaves and bamboo and burn them the next morning.
Did you know? Ancient Indians tracked the Sun’s movement so accurately that Sankranti calculations were made centuries before modern astronomy tools existed.
9 Interesting Facts about Makar Sankranti
- According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah chose to leave his mortal body during Uttarayan, considering it a sacred time for attaining liberation.
- Every twelfth Makara Sankranti, a massive pilgrimage known as Kumbh Mela takes place. People flock to the juncture of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers to bathe in the holy water after offering their prayers to the sun god.
- As per the Hindu calendar, there are 12 Sankranti in a year.
- On Makar Sankranti, many people take a holy dip at the Sangam, where the Ganga and Yamuna meet.
- People pay respects to livestock and cattle during this occasion, in addition to honoring the Sun God.
- Giving food and clothes to those in need is a common way to show kindness.
- The color Black is deeply associated with Makar Sankranti. Black is recognized as an absorber of the Sun’s rays. It is believed that wearing black attire helps absorb the Sun’s positive energy while also providing warmth during the chilly winter celebration days.
- The word “Pongal” refers to a traditional rice dish made during the festival using newly harvested rice. In Tamil, ”Pongal” means ”to boil over”.
- Makar Sankranti is celebrated by flying kites, which allows people to enjoy the sun’s rays after winter, marking the arrival of spring.
Rituals of Makar Sankranti, Explained Simply
Makar Sankranti is filled with beautiful customs, but many parents—and kids—often wonder why these rituals are practiced.
Here’s a simple, educational breakdown that helps explain the cultural meaning behind each tradition.
1. Eating Sesame (Til) and Jaggery (Gur)
Why do we do it:
- Sesame keeps the body warm in winter.
- Jaggery boosts energy and immunity.
Symbolically: Til represents togetherness, and jaggery represents sweetness.
Eating them together reminds us to stay warm-hearted and speak kindly to one another.
Fun fact: Sesame seeds appear in Sankranti foods across India because they are considered one of the purest grains in Hindu tradition.
2. Honoring Cattle and Livestock
Why we do it: In agrarian communities, cattle help plough the fields and make harvest possible.
Symbolically: Decorating cows, feeding them special food, and thanking them reflects India’s deep respect for nature and animals.
3. Taking a Holy Dip in Rivers
Why we do it: People believe that bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganga or Yamuna during Makar Sankranti purifies the mind and body.
Symbolically: It’s a way to release negativity and start the new season fresh, just as the Sun begins its northward journey.
4. Preparing Regional Seasonal Foods
Why we do it: Most dishes—like khichdi, pongal, undhiyu, pithas, and tilgul—use newly harvested crops.
Symbolically: Cooking these foods is a way of celebrating abundance and expressing gratitude for the harvest.
The Twelve Sankrantis: Understanding the Solar Milestones
Makar Sankranti is the most widely celebrated of all twelve Sankrantis in the Hindu calendar.
It is part of a larger cycle that marks the Sun’s transition from one zodiac sign (rashi) to the next every month.
Each Sankranti signifies a subtle but meaningful shift in nature and energy.
Ancient Indians observed these changes closely, connecting them with agricultural rhythms, weather patterns, and spiritual symbolism.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the twelve Sankrantis:
Mesha Sankranti (Sun enters Aries)
Marked as the beginning of the Hindu solar new year in many regions. Celebrated as Vishu in Kerala and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.
Vrishabha Sankranti (Sun enters Taurus)
Associated with rising temperatures and early summer harvests.
Mithuna Sankranti (Sun enters Gemini)
Believed to be an auspicious time for charity and community service.
Karka Sankranti (Sun enters Cancer)
Marks the beginning of Dakshinayana, the Sun’s southward journey, symbolizing shorter days.
Simha Sankranti (Sun enters Leo)
Observed with prayers for health and protection. Some regions perform special rituals for ancestors.
Kanya Sankranti (Sun enters Virgo)
Connected to festivals honoring the Earth’s fertility and the harvest cycle.
Tula Sankranti (Sun enters Libra)
Celebrated in Odisha as Garbhana Sankranti, acknowledging the balance of seasons.
Vrischika Sankranti (Sun enters Scorpio)
Often linked to temple festivals and prayers for prosperity.
Dhanu Sankranti (Sun enters Sagittarius)
Significant in Odisha, where festivals include prayers, rituals, and offering of freshly harvested crops.
Makara Sankranti (Sun enters Capricorn)
The most celebrated Sankranti, marking Uttarayan -the Sun’s northward turn and the harvest season.
Kumbha Sankranti (Sun enters Aquarius)
Associated with the Kumbh Mela, especially when it coincides with Jupiter’s specific positioning.
Meena Sankranti (Sun enters Pisces)
Marks the end of the zodiac cycle. A spiritually significant period for introspection and prayer.
These twelve Sankrantis together form a solar rhythm that guided ancient agricultural societies and influenced cultural traditions across India.
Makar Sankranti stands out among them because it marks the pivotal moment when the Sun begins its journey toward warmth, light, and renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Makar Sankranti
Many people—especially those living outside India—often feel confused about the various names, dates, and traditions associated with Makar Sankranti.
Here’s a clear and simple FAQ section to help make sense of it all.
1. Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). It is celebrated as a time of harvest, gratitude, and new beginnings.
Spiritually, it marks the start of Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward journey—a period considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition.
2. Why does Makar Sankranti fall on January 14th most years but sometimes on the 15th?
Because the Hindu calendar is based on astronomical calculations, the exact moment the Sun enters Capricorn can shift slightly.
When this transition happens after sunset on the 14th, the festival is observed on the 15th. This is why the date varies occasionally.
3. Is Makar Sankranti the same as Pongal, Lohri, or Magh Bihu?
Yes and no! These festivals all fall around the same time and celebrate the harvest season, but each region has its own name and traditions:
- Tamil Nadu: Pongal
- Punjab: Lohri (celebrated a day earlier)
- Assam: Magh Bihu
- Gujarat: Uttarayan
- West Bengal — Poush Sankranti
- Karnataka — Sankranti
- Andhra Pradesh — Pedda Panduga or Sankranti
- Odisha — Makara Chaula celebration or Makara Sankranti
- Maharashtra — Makar Sankranti
- Bihar & Jharkhand — Khichdi Parv
- Uttar Pradesh — Khichdi Sankranti
- Himachal Pradesh — Magha Saaji
- Kashmir — Shishur Sankrant
4. Why do people eat sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) during Makar Sankranti?
Til and gur are believed to generate warmth and energy during winter. Symbolically, sesame seeds represent togetherness, and jaggery represents sweetness.
Eating them together is a reminder to be warm and kind toward one another.
5. Why do people fly kites on Makar Sankranti?
Kite flying welcomes the winter sun. Traditionally, soaking up sunlight during this time was believed to improve immunity.
Over time, kite flying became a joyful community activity and an iconic part of the festival.
7. Why do people take a holy dip in rivers on this day?
A dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari is believed to cleanse the mind and body.
Spiritually, it marks a fresh start and is associated with blessings and purification.
8. What is the difference between Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan?
Uttarayan refers to the six-month period during which the Sun moves northward. Makar Sankranti marks the start of this period.
In Gujarat, the festival is popularly known as Uttarayan.
9. Are there really 12 Sankrantis in a year?
Yes. Each time the Sun moves from one zodiac sign to the next, it is called a Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is the most significant because it marks Uttarayan.
Conclusion: A Festival of Unity and Renewal
Makar Sankranti is much more than a harvest festival; it is a celebration of hope, renewal, and shared joy.
Its pan-India appeal lies in its ability to bring people together, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
So, this January, whether you’re flying kites, savoring Tilgul, or lighting a bonfire, remember to cherish the bonds and blessings that make this festival truly extraordinary.
