Makar Sankranti
मकर संक्रांति
The sun enters Capricorn (Makara), marking the start of its northward journey (Uttarayana). People fly kites, take holy dips, and share sesame-jaggery sweets to celebrate longer, warmer days ahead.
Why We Celebrate
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transition (sankranti) into the zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn), signaling the end of winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar rather than lunar. The day is considered highly auspicious for charity (daan), especially of sesame seeds, jaggery, blankets, and food. The Uttarayana period (Sun's northward journey) begins, which is considered sacred — Bhishma chose to die during this period in the Mahabharata.
Makar Sankranti celebrates the Sun God (Surya) entering the zodiac of Capricorn (Makar Rashi), marking the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of Uttarayana (the northward journey of the sun). This shift brings longer days, warmer weather, and the promise of harvest. In the Mahabharata, the great warrior Bhishma waited on his deathbed for Uttarayana because dying in this period is believed to lead directly to moksha (liberation).
The tradition of giving til (sesame) and gul (jaggery) sweets symbolizes letting go of bitterness and sharing sweetness. Sesame seeds represent warmth and energy needed in winter, while jaggery brings health and prosperity. Flying kites is said to expose the body to sunlight, boosting vitamin D and warding off winter ailments — a joyful form of sun worship.
Today, Makar Sankranti is a day for gratitude, charity, and fresh beginnings. Whether you fly kites in Gujarat, cook Pongal in Tamil Nadu, or light bonfires in Punjab, the essence remains the same: honoring the sun, sharing abundance, and stepping into a brighter season with hope.
How It's Celebrated
Wake before sunrise and take a holy bath (preferably in a river)
Prepare and distribute til-gur (sesame-jaggery) laddus and chikkis
Fly colorful kites throughout the day
Donate sesame seeds, jaggery, warm blankets, and food to the needy
Visit temples and offer prayers, especially to Surya (Sun God)
In the evening, light bonfires (Lohri tradition in Punjab)
Regional Variations
What You Need
- Til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery)
- Kites and string (manjha)
- Khichdi ingredients (rice, dal, ghee)
- Items for donation (blankets, food grains)
- Sugarcane and seasonal fruits
- Peanuts and popcorn for snacking
Get a personalized supply checklist with reminders in the Aaradhana app.
Download AaradhanaDid You Know?
- ✦Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar, not the lunar calendar, which is why it falls on the same date (January 14) nearly every year.
- ✦In the Mahabharata, Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows for 58 days waiting for Uttarayana to begin before leaving his body — such is the spiritual power of this time.
- ✦The tradition of flying kites isn't just fun — it was an ancient way to expose skin to sunlight for vitamin D, boosting immunity during the cold winter months.
Related Festivals
Never miss Makar Sankranti again. Aaradhana sends you reminders, preparation guides, and everything you need — starting 7 days before.
Download Aaradhana