It’s a traditional festival of India. Every year on January 14th, India lights up with colours, kites, and countless delicious dishes. Why? Because it’s time for Makar Sankranti—a festival that marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara) and the beginning of longer days.
While most Indian festivals follow the lunar calendar and shift dates each year, Makar Sankranti is uniquely solar, making it one of the few festivals that’s celebrated on a fixed date. But what’s truly fascinating is how this one festival wears a different avatar across different states. Let’s journey across India and uncover 7 truly unique ways Makar Sankranti is celebrated.
The Mythological Tale Behind Makar Sankranti
While Makar Sankranti is celebrated as a harvest and solar festival, it also has deep mythological roots, especially in Hindu scriptures.
The Legend of Surya and Shani
One of the most well-known stories associated with Makar Sankranti revolves around Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his son Lord Shani (the ruler of Saturn and justice).
According to the legend, Surya and Shani had a strained relationship. Surya did not approve of his son’s strong sense of justice and detachment. However, on Makar Sankranti, Surya decides to visit Shani’s house, symbolising a father and son reunion. It is said that from this day onwards, Surya visits Shani’s house annually, signifying a bond restored.
This story is considered symbolic of putting aside ego and mending relationships, especially within families. Hence, many believe Makar Sankranti is an auspicious day to forgive, forget, and move forward.
The Demise of the Demon Sankarasur
Another popular legend speaks of the death of the demon Sankarasur at the hands of Goddess Sankranti. According to folklore, Sankarasur troubled humans and saints alike. On this day, Goddess Sankranti defeated him, and hence the festival marks the victory of good over evil.
This is why many regions in India perform pujas and rituals to drive away negativity and usher in a prosperous new season.
The Cultural Kaleidoscope of Makar Sankranti
India is like a thali—diverse, flavourful, and vibrant. And Makar Sankranti is no exception. From the bonfires of Punjab to the sweet pongal of Tamil Nadu, each state adds its own spice to the celebration. This festival isn’t just about rituals—it’s a celebration of the land, the harvest, the people, and their faith.
1. Uttarayan in Gujarat – A Sky Full of Kites
Kite Flying Mania
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is all about looking up! Known as Uttarayan, the sky becomes a canvas painted with vibrant kites of all shapes and sizes. Participants cheer loudly with cries of “Kai Po Che!” as they skillfully maneuver their kites to outfly and slice through their rivals’ strings in the sky.
International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad
This is no small affair. The International Kite Festival draws enthusiasts from around the globe to Ahmedabad. The sight of giant kites, LED kites, and artistic creations is absolutely jaw-dropping!
Traditional Foods: Undhiyu & Chikki
Feasting is a must. People indulge in Undhiyu, a mixed vegetable delicacy cooked upside down in earthen pots, and Chikki, the crunchy peanut-jaggery snack that keeps the warmth in the body.
2. Pongal in Tamil Nadu – A Four-Day Harvest Fiesta
Day-Wise Celebrations
In Tamil Nadu, it’s not just a day—it’s a four-day harvest festival.
- Bhogi: Letting go of the past to make space for fresh beginnings.
- Thai Pongal: Offerings of sweet rice made with milk and jaggery.
- Mattu Pongal: A tribute to cattle, the farmers’ best friends.
- Kaanum Pongal: A day of outings and family time.
The Sweet Pongal Ritual
Made with rice, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee, Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal) is cooked in clay pots until it boils over—a sign of prosperity.
Cattle Decoration and Worship
Cows and bulls are washed, decorated with paint and flowers, and worshipped for their role in agriculture.
3. Lohri in Punjab – A Bonfire of Joy
Celebrating the Winter Harvest
Lohri, celebrated on the eve of Makar Sankranti, is a thanksgiving to the Sun God for a good harvest of sugarcane, wheat, and mustard.
Dhol Beats and Bhangra Energy
Dance around the bonfire to the beat of dhols and the high-energy Bhangra and Gidda performances.
Traditional Offerings and Stories Around the Fire
People throw sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn into the fire and sing traditional folk songs. Stories of Dulla Bhatti, the Punjabi Robin Hood, are narrated with pride.
4. Magh Bihu in Assam – Feasting and Folk Fun
Building the Meji and Bhelaghar
Assam celebrates Magh Bihu with the construction of Bhelaghar (temporary huts made of bamboo and straw) and Meji (large bonfires).
Community Feasting
Families gather for grand feasts called Uruka—a night of celebration, laughter, and food before burning the Meji at dawn.
Traditional Delicacies: Pitha and Laru
No Magh Bihu is complete without Pitha (rice cakes) and Laru (sweet balls made from coconut or sesame).
5. Khichdi Parv in Uttar Pradesh – A Spiritual Offering
Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam
In UP, Makar Sankranti is marked by a holy dip at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam—the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It’s believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation.
Donating Essentials
The concept of daan (charity) is huge. People donate til (sesame), gud (jaggery), blankets, and khichdi to the needy.
Savoring the Sacred Khichdi
People prepare and offer Khichdi, a comforting dish of rice and lentils believed to have spiritual benefits.
6. Makaravilakku in Kerala – Divine Light and Devotion
Sabarimala Pilgrimage
Thousands of devotees end their 41-day Vratham (penance) with a pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple, making it one of the largest religious gatherings.
The Celestial Light (Makara Jyothi)
At dusk, a mysterious light called Makara Jyothi appears on the hills—believed to be a divine sighting by Lord Ayyappa’s devotees.
A Religious Gathering Like No Other
The entire event is deeply spiritual, disciplined, and filled with chants of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa.”
7. Sakraat in Bihar & Jharkhand – A Rural Celebration
Community Gatherings and Tribal Traditions
Known as Sakraat or Til Sankranti, people come together for community singing, dancing, and storytelling, especially in rural and tribal areas.
Littis, Tilkut, and More
Delicious foods like Litti-Chokha, Tilkut, and Thekua are savored. Each has a rustic charm and deep cultural value.
Song, Dance, and Rituals
Folk songs echo the values of love, harvest, and resilience. The mood is earthy and vibrant.
Why Makar Sankranti is So Much More Than Just a Festival
This festival is a beautiful reminder that despite our cultural and regional differences, we’re all connected by gratitude, traditions, and the sun. Makar Sankranti unites farmers, families, and faith across India in a joyous blend of fun, food, and spirituality.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is not just a date on the calendar—it’s an emotion, a tradition, and a bridge that connects people from different walks of life. From kite-flying thrills to bonfire chills, from sweet pongal to sacred khichdi, every corner of India adds its own charm to this celebration.
So next time January 14 rolls around, try stepping out of your comfort zone—fly a kite in Gujarat, dance around a Lohri bonfire, or try cooking some Pongal. You’ll feel a little more connected to this amazing, diverse land.
FAQs
1. What is the spiritual meaning of Makar Sankranti?
It marks the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan) and is seen as a time of new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
2. Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated on the same date every year?
Because it follows the solar calendar and coincides with the sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makara Rashi).
3. What are the main foods prepared during this festival?
Dishes like khichdi, tilgul, pongal, undhiyu, chikki, and pitha are common festive delights.
4. How is Makar Sankranti different from Pongal?
While both celebrate the harvest, Pongal is a multi-day Tamil festival with specific customs. Makar Sankranti is broader and varies by region.
5. Which is the best place in India to witness Makar Sankranti?
Ahmedabad for kites, Sabarimala for spirituality, Punjab for Lohri, and Tamil Nadu for Pongal are top choices.