Significance
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara). It is a harvest festival and the beginning of Uttarayana (northward movement of the Sun), considered highly auspicious.
Mythology & Legend
According to the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah chose this day to leave his body because dying during Uttarayana is considered meritorious. The Ganga is said to have descended to earth on this day. It also celebrates the end of the winter solstice.
Rituals & Observances
- At sunrise, take a holy dip in the Ganga or a nearby river if possible.
- Offer water and flowers to the Sun facing east; chant Surya mantras.
- Donate khichdi, til, and jaggery to the needy and to priests.
- Fly kites (North and West); prepare and share til-gur and Pongal.
- Eat til and jaggery for good health and prosperity.
Sacred Mantras
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
Salutations to Surya
Traditional Foods
- ●Til-gur (sesame-jaggery)
- ●Khichdi
- ●Pongal
- ●Pitha (Bengal)
- ●Undhiyu (Gujarat)
- ●Payasam
Regional Variations
North India(मकर संक्रांति)
Kite flying, khichdi donation
Tamil Nadu(பொங்கல்)
Pongal, bull festival
Bengal(পৌষ পার্বণ)
Poush Parbon
Gujarat(उत्तरायण)
Uttarayan kite festival
Do's & Don'ts
Do's
- ✓Take a holy dip if possible
- ✓Eat til and jaggery
- ✓Donate food or clothes
- ✓Fly kites safely
Don'ts
- ✗Avoid inauspicious activities
- ✗Do not waste food