Overview: what is Makar Sankranti?
In the Hindu calendar context, sankranti means a change/transition—especially the Sun’s movement between zodiac signs. Makar Sankranti is the sankranti when the Sun enters Makar Rashi (Capricorn). fileciteturn8file0
The original page notes that Sankranti is generally celebrated on Jan 14 every year (sometimes it can be Jan 15). fileciteturn8file0
Suggestion for your website: consider stating it as "typically Jan 14 (sometimes Jan 15)" for consistency over the years.
Celebrating Makar Sankranti involves honoring gratitude, enjoying fresh seasonal foods, coming together with loved ones, and partaking in fun traditions such as kite flying.
History and significance
The original page explains: Makara is the Capricorn zodiac sign, and Makar Sankranti happens when the Sun moves from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) into Makar Rashi (Capricorn), beginning a northward movement. fileciteturn8file0
Many believe that embarking on sacred rituals or important tasks on this auspicious day will bring fruitful outcomes.
The festival marks the transition from winter to harvest season, a time to express gratitude to God for blessings and a successful harvest.
In Nepal's Kirat community, the new year begins on Makar Sankranti day, as mentioned on the page. Yele Dhung). fileciteturn8file0
Makar Sankranti marks the shift in seasons, honoring the sun's transition and expressing gratitude for the harvest. This festive occasion typically combines rituals of prayer, communal feasting, and engaging in outdoor activities.
Different names of Makar Sankranti
One festival season, known by many names in various regions and countries.
- Makar Sankranti (most of India)
- Uttarayan (Gujarat)
- Makara Sankrama (Karnataka)
- Kichdi (UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand)
- Maghi (Himachal, Haryana, Punjab)
- Bhogali Bihu (Assam)
- Pongal (Andhra Pradesh / Tamil Nadu)
- Pongal (Sri Lanka)
- Maghe Sankranti (Nepal)
- Songkran (Thailand)
- Thingyan (Myanmar)
- Moha Sangkran (Cambodia)
- Pi Ma Lao (Laos)
When creating headings for region-specific pages, use the local name (e.g., "Uttarayan in Gujarat", "Pongal in Tamil Nadu") and include "Makar Sankranti" as the overarching term.
Food traditions: Til, Gud, Chikki and Gajjak
On Lohri and Makar Sankranti, many people enjoy til-gud, gajjak, revri, sesame & jaggery laddoos, and chikki. fileciteturn8file0
These sweets are often shared with the saying: “Til-gul ghya ani gud gud bola.” fileciteturn8file0
(Meaning: take til-gul and speak sweetly—start the season with kindness.)
The festival takes place during winter, making til and gud ideal seasonal foods for the occasion.
Popular traditions
Kite flying is a well-known tradition, especially popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The original page notes that kite flying was often done in the morning when the sun is bright but not too harsh—so people also got beneficial exposure to early sun rays. fileciteturn8file0
Numerous families view the day as a time for prayer, temple visits, charity, and beginning new activities with a positive outlook.
- Start the morning with sunlight and a short prayer.
- Share til-gud sweets with neighbors/friends (say something sweet!).
- Fly kites / enjoy outdoor family time.
- End the day with a harvest-style meal and gratitude.
Wishes and messages
A carefully selected subset from the original page, tidied up for easier reading.
- Wishing you a joyous Makar Sankranti filled with prosperity and happiness.
- May Makarsankranti bring new confidence, capability, and success. fileciteturn8file0
- Sending you and your family warm wishes for a joyful Makar Sankranti celebration!
A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid that the branch will break—because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings. Always believe in yourself. May Makarsankranti bring new perspective, capabilities, confidence, and success. fileciteturn8file0
Send cards & messages
Same CTAs used across the themed Sankranti pages. fileciteturn8file0