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Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti

14 January

What is Makar Sankranti?

It honours the Sun God, the harvest, and the auspicious turn towards longer days (Uttarayan).

Key Facts

When
14 January
Traditional foods
Til Ladoo, Gud, Khichdi

The Story

Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara) and the start of longer, warmer days. Celebrated as Pongal in the South, Lohri in Punjab and Uttarayan in Gujarat, it is a harvest festival famous for colourful kite-flying and til-gud sweets.

Why We Celebrate

It honours the Sun God, the harvest, and the auspicious turn towards longer days (Uttarayan).

Puja Vidhi

  1. 1Take a holy dip in a sacred river at dawn
  2. 2Offer prayers and arghya to the Sun God (Surya)
  3. 3Prepare and share til-gud (sesame and jaggery) sweets
  4. 4Fly kites and give to charity (daan)

Bhajans

Surya Namaskar Mantra, Om Suryaya Namaha

Festive Food

Til Ladoo, Gud, Khichdi, Pongal

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?

It marks the Sun's movement into Capricorn and the beginning of the harvest season and Uttarayan.

What are its regional names?

Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Lohri (Punjab), Uttarayan (Gujarat), Bihu (Assam) and Khichdi (UP).

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Reviewed by the Bhakti by Agentic Vani editorial team

Last updated June 29, 2026. Content is presented for devotional and educational purposes, with traditional beliefs framed as such. Sources: Puranas and traditional Hindu festival accounts.