One season, many names
The phrase Makar Sankranti is widely used, but communities often use a local name that mirrors regional languages, foods, and customs. For example:
Here is a useful list of popular names, along with a brief explanation of the meaning behind each name.
Tip for readers
Names may be shared among different states and communities. It is best to handle this by treating them as such. regional lenses on the same harvest season—rather than mutually exclusive festivals.
Makarsankranti names by region
The list was created by reformatting and expanding the original "Different names of Sankranti" page with a modern layout and additional context.
| Name | Where it is used | What it highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Makar Sankranti | Common across much of India | Sun’s transition into Makara (Capricorn), harvest gratitude, seasonal foods |
| Pongal | Tamil Nadu; also observed by Tamil communities elsewhere | Harvest thanksgiving; “pongal” refers to boiling over—symbol of abundance |
| Makara Sankrama | Karnataka | Transition (sankrama) of the sun; local rituals and seasonal offerings |
| Uttarayan | Gujarat | Northward journey of the sun; famous for kite flying |
| Kichdi / Khichdi | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand (varies by community) | The focal point of the celebration is the signature dish (khichdi) and communal feasting. |
| Maghi | Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab | Month of Magh; religious bathing, charity, community gatherings |
| Bhogali Bihu | Assam | Harvest and feasting (“Bhog”); community meals and traditional celebrations |
| Maghe Sankranti | Nepal | Mid-winter observances, ritual bathing, seasonal foods; regional pilgrimage traditions |
| Songkran | Thailand | The traditional Southeast Asian solar new year celebration is marked by water and themes of renewal. |
| Thingyan | Myanmar | New year water festival traditions and seasonal renewal |
| Moha Sangkran | Cambodia | Traditional new year / seasonal transition observances in the region |
| Pi Ma Lao | Laos | Lao new year traditions; cleansing and community celebration themes |
Many of these names point to the same underlying idea: harvest gratitude and seasonal transition. The differences are in language, local crops, and community customs.
Astronomical lens
Names such as Makar Sankranti, Makara Sankrama, and Uttarayan emphasize the sun’s transition and the seasonal shift—often associated with longer, brighter days.
Harvest & food lens
Names like Pongal, Kichdi, and Bhogali Bihu spotlight food and harvest abundance— community cooking, feasts, and sharing.
Community lens
Regional festivities may involve activities such as fairs, kite-flying, bonfires, and days dedicated to the Mattu Pongal), charity, and shared rituals that strengthen community bonds.