There’s a special kind of magic in the air as the biting chill of winter finally begins to fade. The days start to feel a little longer, a little brighter, filled with a promise of warmth and new beginnings. This beautiful change in season is celebrated across India as Makar Sankranti. More than just a festival, it’s a feeling of collective joy, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. In 2026, we will celebrate this wonderful day on Tuesday, January 14th.
This festival marks a very special celestial event – the journey of the sun, our beloved Surya Dev, into the Makara (Capricorn) zodiac sign. This transition, known as Uttarayana, is considered incredibly auspicious, signalling a move from darkness to light and inviting positive energies into our lives.
The Heartbeat of the Festival: Why We Celebrate with Such Devotion
Makar Sankranti is deeply woven into the fabric of our culture, holding immense significance for every Indian household. It’s a time when we connect with our roots, our faith, and with nature itself.
- A Harvest Celebration: At its core, this is a harvest festival. It’s a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Mother Earth for the bountiful crops she provides. Farmers across the country take a moment to honour the land, their cattle, and the elements that have blessed them with abundance. It’s a beautiful reminder of our connection to the food we eat and the land that sustains us.
- Spiritual Awakening: The sun’s northward journey symbolizes a period of enlightenment and consciousness. Ancient scriptures tell us that the gates of heaven open during Uttarayana, making it a powerful time for spiritual practices. It’s a day to perform good deeds, offer prayers, and cleanse our souls, setting a positive course for the months ahead.
Sacred Rituals: A Path to Renewal and Blessings
The beauty of Makar Sankranti lies in its simple yet profound rituals, each carrying deep meaning and performed with a heart full of devotion. These traditions help us align ourselves with the positive cosmic energies of the day.
The Holy Dip: Cleansing Body and Soul
One of the most significant rituals is taking a holy bath, or ‘snan’, in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari. This act is believed to wash away past sins and purify the self. But you don’t have to travel far to partake in this blessing. Simply adding a few drops of pure Ganga Jal and some sesame (til) seeds to your bathwater at home can invoke the same sacred feeling.
Saluting the Sun God: An Offering of Gratitude
Greeting the rising sun on Makar Sankranti is a powerful way to start the day. Offering ‘Arghya’ – a water offering – to Lord Surya is a central part of the celebration. This is traditionally done using a copper vessel (lota), filled with water, red flowers, rice grains, jaggery, and sesame seeds. As you make the offering, chanting mantras like “Om Suryaya Namah” fills the heart with peace and gratitude for the light that sustains all life.
The Joy of Giving: The True Essence of ‘Daan’
The spirit of this festival is incomplete without ‘Daan’, or charity. Giving to those in need is believed to reduce ego and bring immense blessings. Many people donate essentials like til (sesame seeds), gud (jaggery), grains, warm blankets, and ghee. Each item has a meaning: til represents spiritual strength, and jaggery signifies sweetness in our words and relationships. Sharing what you have amplifies the joy of the festival for everyone.
Festive Flavours: The Taste of Tradition
What’s a festival without its special food? Makar Sankranti brings a delicious array of dishes made from the fresh winter harvest. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly made Tilgul Ladoos, Gajak, Khichdi, and Payasam. These foods not only taste wonderful but also provide warmth and nourishment to the body during the winter season. Exchanging sweets, especially those made of sesame and jaggery, is a beautiful gesture of goodwill and friendship.
A Sky Full of Colour: Celebrations Across India
While the essence is the same, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with unique regional flavours across our diverse country. In Gujarat, the sky transforms into a vibrant canvas during Uttarayan, with thousands of kites soaring high in a spectacular festival. In Maharashtra, people exchange Tilgul and say, “Tilgul ghya, aani goad goad bola,” which means, “Take this sweet and speak sweet words.” In the south, the festival is celebrated as Pongal, a grand four-day harvest celebration dedicated to the sun god.
Celebrating with Devotion at Home in 2026
As you prepare to welcome Makar Sankranti in 2026, creating a sacred atmosphere at home is key. The preparations often begin with cleaning the house and setting up a dedicated space for the puja. This ritual of ‘Sthapana’ involves arranging idols, a kalash, and other sacred items with care. To perform a truly authentic puja, from the daily aarti to a more detailed Shodoshapachara Puja (a 16-step ritual), having pure and genuine items is very important. For all your celebration needs, from high-quality puja samagri like incense, camphor, and sandalwood paste to the freshest ingredients for your festive treats, you can explore our collection at poojn.in.
It’s important to perform the key rituals during the auspicious timings. For Makar Sankranti 2026, the Punya Kaal will be from 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM IST, and the Maha Punya Kaal is from 3:13 PM to 4:58 PM IST. Performing your prayers and charity during these windows is believed to be especially fruitful.
This beautiful festival reminds us of life’s cyclical nature – just as the sun brings warmer days after the cold winter, every challenge in life is followed by a period of light and growth. May the warmth of the sun fill your home and heart with prosperity, happiness, and peace. Happy Makar Sankranti!
