Makar Sankranti

Origins and meaning

The name means the sun moves into Capricorn. Hindus see this as a new beginning. They worship Surya, the solar deity. Legends say the goddess Sankranti defeated a demon named Sankarasura. Another story tells how Vishnu’s sweat turned into sesame seeds. These seeds are now sacred ritual foods.

How it is kept

People fly colorful kites and light bonfires. Many visit sacred rivers like the Ganga to bathe. In Assam, communities build bamboo huts called Meji. They feast and burn these huts at dawn. Families decorate doorways with rice flour patterns. Children sing songs and ask for treats from neighbors.

Food and drink

Communities share sweets made with sesame and jaggery. In Tamil Nadu, people boil rice with milk and sugar. This dish is called Pongal. In Bihar, families offer Khichdi to Guru Gorakhnath. Sesame seeds are central to many rituals. They symbolize purity and are offered to deities during prayers.

Pilgrimage and fairs

The Kumbha Mela happens every twelve years. Millions gather at Prayagraj to bathe in the Ganga. The Magha Mela occurs annually at the same site. Other fairs include the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal. These events mark major spiritual gatherings for devotees seeking blessings.

How Makar Sankranti is kept

Families decorate homes with colored rice flour designs. People fly kites and light bonfires in fields. Devotees bathe in holy rivers to wash away sins. Children sing songs and collect treats from neighbors. Communities hold large fairs and feasts together.

When and where

It falls on January 14 most years. Leap years push it to January 15. The date follows the solar cycle. It marks the sun entering Capricorn.

It is strongest in India and Nepal. Major celebrations occur in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Jaipur. Fairs also draw crowds in Dhaka and Singapore.

What Makar Sankranti means

It represents a new beginning after winter. The sun’s northward move brings warmth. People give thanks for the harvest. Bathing in rivers cleanses the soul. Sharing food strengthens community bonds.

On the table

• Pongal
• Khichdi
• Sesame sweets
• Jaggery treats

Flavours: Sesame

Days Makar Sankranti is marked

Makar Sankranti dates: 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Makar Sankranti

See also

HoliA spring festival of colours and bonfires that marks the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil.Mid-Autumn FestivalAn annual harvest festival celebrating family reunions, full moons and mooncakesPongalThree or four days of boiling rice, garlanded cattle and thanks to the sunVijayadashamiA Hindu festival marking the end of Navaratri, celebrating the victory of good over evil across India and Nepal.

Good reading and sources

• Shakrain: A festival of Kites and FireworksThe Daily Star, Article
• After a 100 years, Makar Sankranti gets a new dateHindustan Times, Article
• Tilgul: A Indian sweet that encourages kind wordsBBC, Article
• Shakrain: A festival of Kites and FireworksThe Daily Star, Article
• After a 100 years, Makar Sankranti gets a new dateHindustan Times, Article
• Tilgul: A Indian sweet that encourages kind wordsBBC, Article

• Makar Sankranti on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.