Makar Sankranti 2026 – Harvest Festival, Significance, Customs & Celebrations Across India
Makar Sankranti 2026 –
Harvest Festival of India
Date:
15 January 2026
Significance
Makar Sankranti marks the
Sun’s transition from Dakshinayana (southward movement) to Uttarayana
(northward movement) in the month of Paush. It is one of the few Indian
festivals observed on a fixed date every year – 14/15 January. The
festival symbolizes:
- The end of winter and the arrival
of spring.
- The beginning of an auspicious
phase in Hindu tradition.
- The days of the Devatas (deities),
as per belief.
- Mythological importance: Lord Vishnu
is said to have buried the heads of demons under Mandar Parvat, and
Bhishma from the Mahabharata chose this day to leave his mortal body,
attaining moksha.
Customs & Rituals
- Sun Worship:
Early morning bath, offering water and flowers to the rising Sun, chanting
the Gayatri Mantra.
- Ancestor Tarpan:
Prayers and offerings for blessings of forefathers.
- Kite Flying:
A colorful tradition in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and other regions.
- Charity & Donations:
Considered highly auspicious on this day.
- Village Festivities:
Homes cleaned, courtyards decorated with Kolam/Rangoli, singing,
dancing, and thanksgiving to Mother Nature.
Celebrations
- Preparations begin 10–15 days in
advance with house cleaning and decorations.
- Families gather for festive meals,
temple visits, and community celebrations.
- Holy dips in rivers and melas
(fairs) are common in many regions.
Regional Names
- Makar Sankranti:
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and
more.
- Uttarayan:
Gujarat, Rajasthan.
- Maghi:
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab.
- Lohri:
Punjab.
- Pongal:
Tamil Nadu.
- Magh Bihu / Bhogali Bihu:
Assam.
- Shishur Saenkraat:
Kashmir Valley.
- Khichdi: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar.
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