Makar Sankranti 2026: History, Importance, and Traditions

January 9, 2026

Key Takeaways

Makar Sankranti symbolises the Sun’s journey into Capricorn, marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.
It’s a spiritual awakening, a harvest festival, a time for thanksgiving, and a perfect occasion to celebrate together.
Delicious traditional foods like various khichdis and til-gud laddoos are prepared for the celebration.
It’s a perfect opportunity for children to read self love books to learn values like confidence and kindness.

Do you feel that crisp winter air? The one that carries the sweet scent of jaggery, whispers of bonfires, and the promise of brighter, longer days? It’s an indication that Makar Sankranti is around the corner!

Have you ever thought about the meaning of Makar Sankranti beyond enjoying sweets and flying kites? It’s so much more than that! The festival marks a time of renewal, a significant celestial event, and a beautiful depiction of traditions followed across the country.

It’s the day when friends share laughter, families gather together, and communities come alive and scream at the top of their lungs- Wo Katte or Kai Po Che. Moreover, it’s a wonderful occasion to celebrate the bonds we share, just like books on friendship, where bonds shine brightest.

What Is Makar Sankranti?

So, let’s now shift our attention to what Makar Sankranti is.

In simple terms, Makar Sankranti is devoted to Lord Surya (the Sun God). It marks the day when the Sun transitions into the Makara (Capricorn) zodiac sign. The celestial shift marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of Uttarayan: the northward journey of the Sun.

It signifies that the warmer weather and longer days are on their way! But do you know that there’s a story behind Makar Sankranti! According to mythology, Lord Surya visits the house of his son Lord Shani (Saturn), who is also the lord of the Makar Rashi.

Even though it is well known that they share a strained relationship, the visit symbolises the importance of reconciliation and family bonding.

History of Makar Sankranti

The history behind Makar Sankranti is deeply rooted in astronomical observations and ancient Hindu texts. It is one of the most significant and oldest celebrated festivals in India, and its origin dates back thousands of years.

The Sun’s northward journey has always been a celebration point for agricultural societies, as it marks the time for a new harvest. It’s important to understand the Makar Sankranti history, as it will allow us to appreciate the conscious efforts and timeless wisdom of our ancestors.

Reason being, they devotedly observed the cosmic movements and integrated them into their cultural and spiritual practices. Learning about these stories can be a delightful journey for the little ones, much like reading mythological storybooks for kids that keep them engaged throughout the day.

Spiritual Significance Of Makar Sankranti

There’s a profound spiritual significance to Makar Sankranti beyond the festivities. It’s considered an extremely auspicious day for conducting spiritual practices. Many devotees across the country take a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga on this day.

It’s believed that taking the dip in the holy river will lead to liberation and cleanse all their sins. Moreover, the period of Uttarayan, which begins on Makar Sankranti, is considered highly auspicious for doing spiritual sadhana (practice) and attaining Moksha (salvation).

Furthermore, it’s the ideal time for shedding old habits, reflecting on oneself, and inviting new positive energies into our lives. The true significance of Makar Sankranti lies in its ability to inspire renewal and spiritual growth.

Cultural Importance of Makar Sankranti in Hinduism

The importance of Makar Sankranti in Hinduism can’t be overstated. It’s a festival that celebrates gratitude, nature, and community. Farmers across the country rejoice at seeing their new harvests, families come together to perform pujas, and everyone looks forward to the brighter days to come.

Makar Sankranti and its importance extend to various rituals. It includes giving daan (donations) such as til, a blanket, and particularly the new harvest. The act of donating to one in need is believed to bring prosperity and blessings to the donor and their families.

Learning about these traditions can be wonderfully engaging for our children, especially through the spiritual books for kids from Mummas. It allows them to know about our culture and stay connected to their roots.

Traditional Makar Sankranti Foods Prepared Across India

This part is specially devoted to all the food lovers out there! No Indian festival is complete without culinary delights, and Makar Sankranti is no exception. The Makar Sankranti food preparation is a delicious reflection of regional specialties and the season’s harvest.

Prepare yourselves to find an abundance of dishes made of jaggery (gud) and sesame seeds (til). The best thing about these items is that they are not just tasty but also help keep the body warm in winter.

1. Til-Gud Laddos and Chakkis

They’re probably the most iconic Makar Sankranti special foods. Nutty, sticky, and sweet, these dishes symbolise the warmth and sweetness of relationships.

2. Khichdi

It’s a staple in many regions and many types of khichdi are prepared, often with freshly harvested vegetables and grains. That’s why it’s one of the nutritious and comforting Makar Sankranti special dishes in India.

3. Pitha

Pitha is prepared mostly in the Eastern region, i.e., Odisha and Bengal. It’s a variety of dumplings and sweet rice cakes.

4. Gajak and Rewari

These sweet treats are made from jaggery and sesame and are immensely popular in North India.

5. Pongal

The festival is known as Pongal in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. The main dishes prepared on this day are Savory Pongal (Ven Pongal) and Sweet Pongal (Chakkara Pongal).

How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated in Different Indian States

The diverse celebrations across the entire country are one of the most beautiful aspects of Makar Sankranti. When you decide to learn how Makar Sankranti is celebrated across the nation, you’ll learn about our nation’s firm belief in Unity is Diversity.

Let’s now have a look at how different states celebrate the festival.

1. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

The festival is celebrated as Khichdi Parv. People take holy dips, fly kites, and eat til-gud and khichdi.

2. Punjab

Also known as Maghi, the festival is celebrated along with Lohri (bonfires). People perform folk dances like Gidda and Bhangra and consume traditional foods like makke di roti and sarson da saag.

3. Gujarat

Renowned for its vibrant kite flying festival, the sky is dotted with colorful kites, making it a wonderful sight to watch.

4. Tamil Nadu

The day is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival that is dedicated to rain, cattle, and the Sun God.

5. Assam

Known as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, it involves bonfires, community feasts, and traditional games.

Learning how to celebrate Makar Sankranti in these diverse ways reminds us of the power of coming together, just like the collaborative spirit celebrated in books about teamwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are til and jaggery eaten on Makar Sankranti?

People consume jaggery and til on Makar Sankranti because they provide energy and warmth to the body during winter. They’re also believed to be auspicious and symbolise togetherness and sweetness.

2. Why is Makar Sankranti considered an important festival?

Makar Sankranti is important because it signifies the end of winter as the Sun transitions into Capricorn. It means the start of longer days and the new harvest season. It holds cultural, spiritual, and agricultural significance.

3. Is Makar Sankranti a harvest festival?

Yes, Makar Sankranti is predominantly a harvest festival. It celebrates the abundance of new crops like sugarcane, rice, and sesame.

4. Are there mythological stories related to Makar Sankranti?

Yes, there are multiple mythological stories related to Makar Sankranti. The most famous one is Lord Surya visiting his son Lord Shani’s house. Another famous legend is that on this day, Bhagirath brought Ganga to Earth and she merged into the sea at Ganga Sagar.

5. Why is Makar Sankranti mentioned in Hindu scriptures?

Makar Sankranti is mentioned due to its astronomical significance as the Sun transits into Capricorn. Moreover, it’s also associated with the auspicious period of Uttarayan, highlighted for its spiritual rituals and practices.

6. Why is holy bathing important on Makar Sankranti?

Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga purifies the soul, cleanses your sins, and opens your path to Moksha.

7. What donations are considered auspicious on Makar Sankranti?

Donating sesame seeds, blankets, jaggery, new harvest produce, and clothes to the needy people is considered highly auspicious on Makar Sankranti. It’s believed that it will bring you abundant blessings.