Makar Sankranti Significance & Spiritual Meaning
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.
Makar Sankranti 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.
Makar Sankranti 2027 Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- 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.
Makar Sankranti Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
Salutations to Surya
Makar Sankranti Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Til-gur (sesame-jaggery)
- ●Khichdi
- ●Pongal
- ●Pitha (Bengal)
- ●Undhiyu (Gujarat)
- ●Payasam
Makar Sankranti Regional Celebrations across India
North India(मकर संक्रांति)
Kite flying, khichdi donation
Tamil Nadu(பொங்கல்)
Pongal, bull festival
Bengal(পৌষ পার্বণ)
Poush Parbon
Gujarat(उत्तरायण)
Uttarayan kite festival
Makar Sankranti Do's & Don't's
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
Makar Sankranti — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Makar Sankranti?
- Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara).
- When is Makar Sankranti 2027?
- In 2027, Makar Sankranti falls on Friday, 15 January 2027.
- What are the Makar Sankranti puja rituals?
- 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.
- What to eat on Makar Sankranti?
- Til-gur (sesame-jaggery), Khichdi, Pongal, Pitha (Bengal), Undhiyu (Gujarat)
- What should you do on Makar Sankranti?
- Take a holy dip if possible; Eat til and jaggery; Donate food or clothes
- What should you avoid on Makar Sankranti?
- Avoid inauspicious activities; Do not waste food
- Which deity is worshipped on Makar Sankranti?
- Makar Sankranti is dedicated to Surya.
Upcoming Makar Sankranti Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Makar Sankranti is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jan 2027 | Friday | 11:17 am | — |