Makar Sankranti is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated across India with great enthusiasm and devotion. The festival marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), which is considered an auspicious event in Hinduism. Makar Sankranti signifies the end of the long winter nights and the arrival of longer days, symbolizing a period of harvest, renewal, and prosperity.
The festival is known by different names in various regions of India, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Lohri in Punjab. Despite the regional variations, the essence of Makar Sankranti remains the same – it is a celebration of the Sun God, the harvest, and the joy of new beginnings.
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Makar Sankranti Dates in India for 2024, 2025, and 2026
The Significance of Makar Sankranti in India
Makar Sankranti is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism as it marks the Sun’s transition from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere, known as Uttarayana. This transition is believed to be a time when the days become longer, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. The festival is a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and a celebration of nature’s cycles.
Makar Sankranti also holds a spiritual significance as it is believed that on this day, the Sun God, Surya, visits the house of his son Shani (Saturn). This symbolizes the importance of maintaining good relations between father and son. The festival is also associated with the legend of King Bhagirath, who brought the river Ganga to Earth on Makar Sankranti to purify the ashes of his ancestors.
How Makar Sankranti is Celebrated in India
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a variety of customs and rituals that reflect the diversity of Indian culture. The festival is marked by prayers, feasting, and social gatherings, with each region adding its unique flavor to the celebrations.
Kite Flying: In many parts of India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Makar Sankranti is synonymous with kite flying. The skies are filled with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes as people of all ages participate in kite-flying competitions. The activity symbolizes the ascent of the human spirit, and the joy of flying kites represents the freedom and energy of the festival.
Bonfires and Community Gatherings: In Punjab and Haryana, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, with bonfires being a central part of the festivities. People gather around the bonfire, singing traditional songs and offering sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery. This ritual is a way of thanking the Sun God for the warmth and the abundant harvest.
Traditional Sweets: Across India, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with the preparation and sharing of traditional sweets made from sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur). These ingredients are considered auspicious and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Popular sweets include tilgul ladoos in Maharashtra, gajak in Uttar Pradesh, and tilkut in Bihar.
Bathing in Holy Rivers: In several parts of India, Makar Sankranti is marked by taking a holy dip in rivers, especially in the Ganges. This ritual bathing is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. Pilgrims gather at sacred sites like Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), and Varanasi to participate in this ritual.
Charity and Giving: Makar Sankranti is also a time for charity and giving. People donate food, clothes, and money to the less fortunate, believing that acts of charity performed on this day will bring blessings and prosperity. In many communities, it is customary to distribute tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets) to friends and family, symbolizing the exchange of sweet words and good wishes.
Makar Sankranti in Different Parts of India
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with different names and customs, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the country.
Tamil Nadu (Pongal): In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival. The first day, Bhogi, is dedicated to discarding old belongings and celebrating new beginnings. The second day, Pongal, is the main day of the festival, where rice is boiled in milk and offered to the Sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to cattle, and the fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, is a day for family reunions.
Gujarat (Uttarayan): In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Uttarayan, and it is one of the biggest festivals in the state. The day is marked by kite flying, with people gathering on rooftops to participate in kite-flying competitions. Special foods like undhiyu (a mixed vegetable dish) and jalebi are prepared for the occasion.
Assam (Magh Bihu): In Assam, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Magh Bihu, a harvest festival that marks the end of the harvesting season. The night before, known as Uruka, is celebrated with a grand feast, and on Magh Bihu, people light bonfires, perform traditional dances, and prepare rice cakes called pithas.
Punjab (Lohri): In Punjab, Makar Sankranti coincides with the festival of Lohri. The festival is celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, and dances like bhangra and giddha. People gather around the bonfire to offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and other foods as a way of thanking the Sun God for the harvest.
Makar Sankranti – A Festival of Gratitude and Renewal
Makar Sankranti is a celebration of nature’s cycles, the Sun’s journey, and the bountiful harvest. It is a time for gratitude, reflection, and renewal, as people come together to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of a prosperous new season. The festival’s customs and traditions, from kite flying to bonfires and the sharing of sweets, reflect the joy and optimism that Makar Sankranti brings to communities across India.
As a festival that transcends regional and cultural boundaries, Makar Sankranti is a reminder of the unity and diversity that defines India, and the shared values of gratitude, charity, and celebration that bring people together.
More Information about Makar Sankranti in India
Is Makar Sankranti a public holiday in India?
Makar Sankranti is observed as a public holiday in several states across India, including Gujarat, Tamil Nadu (Pongal), Assam (Magh Bihu), and Punjab (Lohri). The day is marked by various regional celebrations.
How is Makar Sankranti celebrated in different parts of India?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with customs like kite flying in Gujarat, bonfires in Punjab (Lohri), traditional sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, and rituals such as taking holy dips in rivers. Each region has its unique way of marking the festival.
What is the significance of Makar Sankranti in Indian culture?
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara), signaling the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving, renewal, and celebration of the Sun God and nature’s abundance.
Where are the major Makar Sankranti celebrations held in India?
Major Makar Sankranti celebrations are held in Gujarat (Uttarayan), Tamil Nadu (Pongal), Assam (Magh Bihu), and Punjab (Lohri). These regions have vibrant traditions and customs associated with the festival, attracting large gatherings and festive activities.