Makar Sankranti brings joy, warmth, and the thrill of kites soaring high as families across India celebrate the sun’s northward journey. This harvest festival on January 14, 2026, marks renewal and gratitude for bountiful crops.
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti falls when the sun enters Capricorn, signaling longer days and the end of winter. In 2026, it occurs on Wednesday, January 14, with the Sankranti moment at 3:13 PM IST and Punya Kaal from 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM.
People take holy dips in rivers, offer prayers to the sun god, and share sweets made from sesame and jaggery. The festival embodies victory of light over darkness, rooted in ancient Vedic traditions.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
Legends from the Mahabharata say Bhishma Pitamah chose Uttarayan, the sun’s northward path, to attain moksha, highlighting its spiritual power. Farmers thank nature for harvests, performing rituals for prosperity.
This day promotes charity, with donations of til (sesame), gud (jaggery), clothes, and food to the needy. Scriptures view it as ideal for purification, meditation, and selfless acts.
Celebrations in Haryana and Sonipat
In Haryana, including Sonipat, families start with early morning baths at sacred spots like Kurukshetra’s Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar to cleanse sins. Devotees perform pinda-daan for ancestors.
Kite flying fills the skies, with rooftops buzzing as people shout “Makai utha le!” while cutting rivals’ strings. Bonfires, folk songs, and feasts strengthen community bonds.
Local markets overflow with colorful patangs (kites), manja (glass-coated string), and til-gud sweets, creating festive vibes.
Traditional Foods and Recipes
Sesame and jaggery dominate Makar Sankranti sweets for their warming properties.
- Til Gud Ladoo: Roast sesame seeds, melt jaggery into syrup, mix, and shape into balls. These chewy delights symbolize sweetness in life.
- Gajak or Til Chikki: Combine roasted peanuts or sesame with jaggery syrup, spread thin, and break into pieces. Perfect for kite-flying snacks.
- Til Gud Paratha: Stuff dough with sesame-jaggery mix, cook on tawa with ghee. Enjoy hot with butter.
- Khichdi: Simmer rice and moong dal with ghee and spices. A sattvic meal post-rituals.
Avoid onion, garlic, alcohol, or harming nature to keep celebrations pure.
Kite Flying Fun
Kite festivals turn cities into colorful skies, especially in Gujarat’s Uttarayan and Haryana rooftops. Prepare patangs of various sizes, apply manja carefully, and fly during golden hours.
Safety tips include wearing gloves, avoiding overhead wires, and cheering fairly. Competitions build excitement, with winners earning bragging rights.
Regional Variations Across India
Makar Sankranti adapts uniquely nationwide.
| Region | Name | Key Traditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal | Boil overflowing pongal rice, honor cattle over four days. |
| | ||
| Gujarat | Uttarayan | Non-stop kite flying, undhiyu feast. |
| | ||
| Punjab | Lohri/Maghi | Bonfires, bhangra, sugarcane harvest eve. |
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| Assam | Magh Bihu | Meji bonfires, feasts in bamboo huts. |
| | ||
| Maharashtra | Sankranti | Til-gul exchange, “Til gul ghya, god god bola!” |
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These variations unite India in harvest joy.
Dos and Don’ts for Auspicious Vibes
Follow these for blessings.
- Do: Take holy bath in Punya Kaal, donate til-gud, worship sun, eat sattvic food.
- Don’t: Consume tamasic items like onion/garlic, alcohol, cut trees, ignore the needy.
FAQ
When is Makar Sankranti 2026?
January 14, 2026, with Sankranti at 3:13 PM IST.
Why sesame and jaggery on Makar Sankranti?
They warm the body in winter and symbolize sweetness, prosperity.
What is Punya Kaal for rituals?
3:13 PM to 5:45 PM on January 14, 2026, ideal for puja and charity.
How to celebrate Makar Sankranti in Haryana?
Holy dips at Kurukshetra, kite flying, til-gud sweets, family feasts.
Is kite flying safe on Makar Sankranti?
Yes, with gloves, eye protection, and avoiding power lines.
Share your Makar Sankranti plans in the comments—did you make til ladoo or win a kite battle? Subscribe for more festive tips and early childhood ideas from Bragnam Learning!