{{short description|Hindu festival that reveres Surya (sun god)}} {{EngvarB|date=April 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}} {{Infobox holiday | holiday_name = Makar Sankranti | type = Hindu | image = Photo of makar sankranti devootees.jpg | caption = Holy dip by devotees in river Ganga on the occasion of Makar Sankranti | nickname = Uttarayana<br />Sankranti<br />Til Sakraat<br />Magha<br />Môkôr Sôṅkrānti<br /> Mela<br />Ghughuti<br />Pedda Panduga<br /> Bhogi<br /> Sakraat<br />Pongal<br />Peddha Panduga<br/>Sakrat<br />Khichaṛi<br />Sankramana | longtype = Religious and cultural, harvest festival | date = First day of ''makara'' masa, Bhogi (15 January in leap years; 14 January on all other years) | celebrations = Kite flying, bonfires, fairs, feast, arts, dance, socialization | relatedto = Pongal, Lohri, Lal Loi, Maghe Sankranti, Magh Bihu, Tusu Festival | firsttime = | weekday = | frequency = Annual | duration = 1 day | scheduling = | official_name = | ends = | significance = A harvest festival, a celebration of the mid-winter solstice | litcolor = Red | observedby = Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains | alt = | startedby = }}

{{Hinduism}} '''Makar(a) Sankrānti''' ({{Langx|sa|मकरसङ्क्रान्ति|translit=Makarasaṅkrānti}}),<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-03-20 |title=Makarasankranti, Makarasaṅkrānti, Makara-sankranti, Makarasamkramti: 3 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/makarasankranti |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205040625/https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/makarasankranti |url-status=live }}</ref> ({{Translation|Capricorn Festival}}) also referred to as '''Uttarāyana''', '''Makara''', or simply '''Sankrānti''', is a Hindu observance and a mid-winter harvest festival in India and Nepal.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aGcsEQAAQBAJ&q=harvest+festival | title=The Journey of Light: Makar Sankranti and the Equinox | last1=Jacobson | first1=Jayson | date=26 October 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thakur |first1=Anjali |title=Makar Sankranti 2025: Know The Importance Of Flying Kites During This Time Of The Year |url=https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/makar-sankranti-2025-know-the-importance-of-flying-kites-during-this-time-of-the-year-7463511 |website=NDTV |access-date=13 January 2025 |date=13 January 2025}}</ref> The Sun God (Surya) is worshipped in Makar Sankranti. It is typically celebrated on 14 January annually (15 January on a leap year).<ref name="Tumuluru2015p30">{{cite book|author=Kamal Kumar Tumuluru|title=Hindu Prayers, Gods and Festivals|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=b2iyCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT30 |year=2015| publisher=Partridge|isbn= 978-1-4828-4707-9|page=30}}</ref><ref name="Melton2011p547">{{cite book|author=J. Gordon Melton|title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC&pg=PA547|year=2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-205-0|pages=547–548|access-date=7 March 2017|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084357/https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC&pg=PA547|url-status=live}}, ''Quote:'' "Makara Sankranti (14 January); Makara Sankranti is a festival held across India, under a variety of names, to honor the god of the sun, Surya."</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Holidays, festivals, and celebrations of the world dictionary Third edition.|last=Henderson|first=Helene|publisher=Detroit: Omnigraphics|year=2005|isbn= 0-7808-0982-3|location=Electronic edition|page=xxix}}</ref> This occasion marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius (''dhanu'') to Capricorn (''makara'').<ref name="Tumuluru2015p30" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Singh |first=K. V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uzoHCwAAQBAJ&dq=makar+sankranti+transition&pg=PT33 |title=Hindu Rites and Rituals: Origins and Meanings |date=2015-11-25 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-93-85890-04-8 |pages=33 |language=en |access-date=30 January 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722083847/https://books.google.com/books?id=uzoHCwAAQBAJ&dq=makar+sankranti+transition&pg=PT33 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Lochtefeld2002p411">{{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A–M|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VNzLMgEACAAJ|year=2002|publisher=Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-2287-1|page=411|access-date=23 January 2018|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722083848/https://books.google.com/books?id=VNzLMgEACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> As this transition coincides with the sun's movement from south to north, the festival is dedicated to the solar deity, Surya,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Melton |first=J. Gordon |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC&dq=makar+sankranti+surya&pg=PA547 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |date=2011 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-205-0 |pages=547 |language=en |access-date=30 January 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722083849/https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC&dq=makar+sankranti+surya&pg=PA547 |url-status=live }}</ref> and is observed to mark a new beginning.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fieldhouse |first=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P-FqDgAAQBAJ&dq=makar+sankranti+moksha&pg=PA349 |title=Food, Feasts, and Faith: An Encyclopedia of Food Culture in World Religions [2 volumes] |date=2017-04-17 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-61069-412-4 |pages=349 |language=en |access-date=30 January 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722083849/https://books.google.com/books?id=P-FqDgAAQBAJ&dq=makar+sankranti+moksha&pg=PA349 |url-status=live }}</ref> Across India, the occasion is celebrated with numerous multi-day festivals.

The festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various names including ''Sankranthi or Peddha Panduga'' in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,<ref name="htmakar">{{Cite web |date=2017-01-14 |title=After a 100 years, Makar Sankranti gets a new date |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-a-100-years-makar-sankranti-gets-a-new-date/story-pvh98WVqDQBXdvP9LFOoUO.html |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312091804/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-a-100-years-makar-sankranti-gets-a-new-date/story-pvh98WVqDQBXdvP9LFOoUO.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="desai30">{{cite book |author=Nikita Desai |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5VsaBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA30 |title=A Different Freedom: Kite Flying in Western India; Culture and Tradition |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-4438-2310-4 |pages=30–33}}</ref> ''Khichari'' in Bhojpuri region, ''Magh Bihu'' in Assam, ''Maghi Saaji'' in Himachal Pradesh, ''Makaravilakku'' in Kerala, Makara sankranti in Karnataka, ''Maghi Sangrand'' in Punjab, ''Pongal'' in Tamil Nadu, ''Maghi Sangrand'' or ''Uttarain'' (Uttarayana) in Jammu, ''Sakrat'' in Haryana, Sakraat in Rajasthan, ''Sukarat'' in central India, ''Uttarayana'' in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, ''Ghughuti'' in Uttarakhand, ''Dahi Chura'' in Bihar, ''Makar Sankranti'' in Odisha, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal (also called ''Poush Sankranti or Mokor Sonkranti''), Uttar Pradesh (also called ''Khichidi Sankranti''), Uttarakhand (also called ''Uttarayani'') or as simply, ''Maghe Sankranti'' (Nepal), ''Songkran'' (Thailand), ''Thingyan'' (Myanmar), ''Mohan Songkran'' (Cambodia), Til Sakraat in Mithila, and ''Shishur Senkrath'' (Kashmir). On Makar Sankranti, Surya (Hindu solar deity) is worshipped along with Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi throughout India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Makar Sankranti 2021: Know Why Makar Sankranti Festival Is Celebrated|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/makar-sankranti-2021-date-history-significance-of-makar-sankranti-festival-2350647|publisher=NDTV|date=11 January 2021|access-date=7 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190323/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/makar-sankranti-2021-date-history-significance-of-makar-sankranti-festival-2350647|url-status=live}}</ref>

Makar Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as colourful decorations, rural children going house to house, singing and asking for treats in some areas,<ref name="PuriNesbitt2013p34">{{cite book|author1=Kailash Puri|author2=Eleanor Nesbitt|title=Pool of Life: The Autobiography of a Panjabi Agony Aunt|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L_NWAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA34|year=2013|publisher=Sussex Academic Press|isbn=978-1-78284-067-1|pages=34–35}}</ref> ''melas'' (fairs), dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts.<ref name=desai30/><ref>{{cite book|author=Kapila Vatsyayan|title=Traditions of Indian folk dance|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I2K1AAAAIAAJ|year=1987|publisher=Clarion Books |isbn=978-0-85655-253-3|pages=192–193}}</ref> The ''Magha Mela'' is mentioned in the Hindu epic ''Mahabharata''.<ref name=eck153 /> Many observers go to sacred rivers or lakes and bathe in a ceremony of thanks to the Sun.<ref name=eck153>{{cite book|author=Diana L. Eck|title=India: A Sacred Geography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PyC4o7i9tnEC&pg=PA153|year=2013|publisher=Random House|author-link=Diana L. Eck|isbn=978-0-385-53192-4|pages=152–154|access-date=7 March 2017|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722083855/https://books.google.com/books?id=PyC4o7i9tnEC&pg=PA153|url-status=live}}</ref> Every twelve years, the Hindus observe ''Makar Sankranti'' with Kumbha Mela – one of the world's largest mass pilgrimage, with an estimated 60 to 100 million people attending the event.<ref name=eck153 /><ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2013/01/kumbh-mela-the-largest-gathering-on-earth/100438/ Kumbha Mela: The Largest Gathering on Earth] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229174128/https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2013/01/kumbh-mela-the-largest-gathering-on-earth/100438/ |date=29 December 2020 }}, Alan Taylor, ''The Atlantic'' (14 January 2013)</ref><ref>[http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/01/14/169313222/biggest-gathering-on-earth-begins-in-india-kumbha-mela-may-draw-100-million Biggest Gathering On Earth' Begins In India; Kumbha Mela May Draw 100 Million] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722083832/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/01/14/169313222/biggest-gathering-on-earth-begins-in-india-kumbh-mela-may-draw-100-million |date=22 July 2023 }}, Mark Memmott, NPR, Washington DC (14 January 2013)</ref> At this event, they say a prayer to the Sun and bathe at the Prayagaraj confluence of the River Ganga and River Yamuna,<ref name=eck153 /> a tradition attributed to Adi Shankaracharya.<ref>Roshan Dalal (2011), The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths, Penguin, {{ISBN|978-0-14-341517-6}}, see Kumbh Mela entry</ref> Makar Sankranti is a time of celebration and thanks giving, and is marked by a variety of rituals and tradition.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nayasafar.in/2023/07/makar-sankranti.html |title=Makar Sankranti |access-date=19 July 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084522/https://www.nayasafar.in/2023/07/makar-sankranti.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Etymology == The term Makara Sankranti is derived from Sanskrit. The word ''makara'' refers to the zodiac sign Capricorn, while ''sankranti'' denotes "transmigration" or "transition," specifically the movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign (rashi) to another. Thus, Makara Sankranti literally means "the transition of the Sun into Capricorn." In Hindu astronomical calanders, ''sankranti'' is used to denote the beginning of a new solar cycle.<ref>NEOG, DR PRADIP. ''BIHU FESTIVALS: All-inclusive elucidations''. Notion Press, 2021.</ref>

=== Other names ===

==== Uttarayana ==== The festival is also colloquially called Uttarayana, from uttara ("north") and ayana ("movement" or "journey"), meaning "northward movement." It refers to the northward shift of the Sun following the winter solstice.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-01-14|title=Uttarayan 2026: Date, time, rituals and spiritual significance|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/rituals-puja/uttarayan-2026-date-time-rituals-and-spiritual-significance/articleshow/126450962.cms|access-date=2026-03-11|work=The Times of India|issn=0971-8257}}</ref> However, this usage should not be confused with Uttarayana in its astronomical sense, which denotes the six-month northward movement of the Sun rather than the specific festival day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randadath|first=Suresh|date=2023-01-15|title=Astronomical Significance of Makara Sankranti|url=https://www.earthreimagined.org/post/astronomical-significance-of-makar-sankranti|access-date=2026-01-26|website=EarthReimagined|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite journal |last=Jaiswal|first=Sandeep|date=10 November 2022|title=Errors in modern Hindu calendar & Hindu festival dates|journal=International Journal of Jyotish Research|volume=1|pages=15–17|issn=2456-4427}}</ref>

==== Pongal ==== In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Pongal, from the Tamil verb pongu, meaning "to boil over" or "overflow." The name refers to the traditional dish of newly harvested rice boiled with milk and jaggery, that is ritually prepared and consumed on the day. It is also referred to as ''Tamizhar thirunal'' ("the festival of Tamil people").<ref>{{cite journal|last=Béteille|first=André|title=A Note on the Pongal Festival in a Tanjore Village|journal=Man|volume=64|issue=2|year=1964|page=74|doi=10.2307/2797924|jstor=2797924|quote=It is now viewed by an increasing number of people as a symbol of all that is local and indigenous to Tamilnad. In many quarters it is celebrated today as thamizhar thirunal: the day auspicious to Tamils.}}</ref>

==== Magh Bihu ==== In Assam, it is celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. The term ''Magh'' refers to the corresponding month in the Hindu calendar, while ''bhogali'' derives from the Sanskrit ''bhoga'' ("feasting" or "enjoyment"). The term Bihu is traced to the Sanskrit Bisuvan or Bisuva, with mentions in the Atharva Veda and the Vishnu Purana. It is believed to be the sanskritisation of the Tai-Ahom term Poi-hu (from Poi meaning worship, and Hu meaning cow), which evolved phonetically into Bihu.<ref>GOSWAMI, SUWANEE, and ERIC SORENG. "BIHU FESTIVAL: DANCE OF THE GODDESSES."</ref>

==== Lohri ==== In parts of northern India, especially Punjab, the festival preceding Makara Sankranti is known as Lohri. The etymology of "Lohri" is debated. Some scholars associate it with loh (iron) or lohri as a term linked to winter fires or ironsmiths.<ref>Karanth, Dileep. "The Indian Oboe Reexamined."</ref><ref>Herin, Bruno. "Elements of Domari dialectology." ''Mediterranean Language Review'' 23 (2016): 33-73.</ref> It is colloquially also referred to as the "younger sister of Holi".<ref>Fenn, Lekha, and Apurva Joshi. "A Descriptive Study on Cultural Impact On Celebrating Festivals Of India." ''Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education'' 12.13 (2021): 1192-1197.</ref> According to another tradition, the term is derived from Loi, the name of Sant Kabir's wife.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-01-12 |title=Happy Lohri 2026: Meaning, Story, History, Significance & All you need to know about the traditional harvest festival |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/events/happy-lohri-2019-wishes-quotes-meaning-history-significance-story-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-traditional-harvest-festival/articleshow/67489396.cms |access-date=2026-04-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==== Khichdi ==== In regions such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the festival is colloquially called Khichdi, named after the traditional dish made of rice and lentils.<ref>Rituals, Morning, et al. "The Sankranti Blueprint: Eating with the Season to Fix Your Digestion Digital Desk."</ref> Their is a ritualistic practice of offering Khichdi to Guru Gorakhnath on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.<ref>Chaturvedi, Shashank. "Khichdi Mela in Gorakhnath Math: Symbols, Ideas and Motivations." ''Society and Culture in South Asia'' 3.2 (2017): 135-156.</ref>

== Astronomical basis == {{Solstice-equinox-sankranti}} Makar Sankranti is set by the solar cycle and corresponds to the exact time astronomical event of the Sun entering Capricorn and is observed on a day that usually falls on 14 January of the Gregorian calendar, but on 15 January in leap years. Makar Sankranti's date and time is analogous to Sidereal time of Zodiac sign of Capricorn (when sun enters).<ref name="Capricorn-zodiac-1" >{{cite web |title=sun enters Capricorn zodiac |url=https://www.drikpanchang.com/sankranti/info/makar-sankranti.html |access-date=28 October 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028130954/https://www.drikpanchang.com/sankranti/info/makar-sankranti.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The year is 365.24 days long and the time difference between the two consecutive instances of Makar Sankranti is almost the same as the year. There are 365 days in a year. Thus, every four years the calendar is offset by one day which is adjusted by adding leap day (29 February). Hence, Makar Sankranti falls on 15 January every leap year. Sidereal time of sign of Capricorn also shifts by a day due to leap year. Similarly, the time of equinoxes also shifts by a day in each four year window. For example, the equinox of September does not fall on the same date each year nor does the winter solstice. Any event related to one revolution of the Earth around the Sun will have this date shift within a four year cycle. Similar changes can be seen in the exact time of solstices and equinoxes. See the table, how the time of the equinox and a solstice increases and decreases in a cycle of four years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solstices, Equinoxes and Leap Years |url=https://www.gi.alaska.edu/alaska-science-forum/solstices-equinoxes-and-leap-years |access-date=28 October 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028131957/https://www.gi.alaska.edu/alaska-science-forum/solstices-equinoxes-and-leap-years |url-status=live }}</ref>

The time difference between two consecutive winter solstices is about 5 hours 49 minutes 59 seconds, with respect to winter solstice time, and the time difference between two consecutive Mankar Sankranti is about 6 hours and 10 minutes. Towards the end of the 21st century, there will be more occurrences of Makar Sankranti on 15 January in a four-year cycle. And Makar Sankranti will be on 16 January for the first in the year 2102 as 2100 will not be a leap year.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 10, 2022|first1=Chirag Bejan|last1=Daruwalla|title=Makar Sankranti 2022: Know how Uttarayan 2022 will impact your zodiac sign|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/planets-transits/makar-sankranti-2022-know-how-uttarayan-2022-will-impact-your-zodiac-sign/articleshow/88803744.cms|access-date=2022-01-14|newspaper=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115023012/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/astrology/planets-transits/makar-sankranti-2022-know-how-uttarayan-2022-will-impact-your-zodiac-sign/articleshow/88803744.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Makar Sankranti and Uttar Ayana === {{See also|Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar}} Makar Sankranti is celebrated when the Sun's ecliptic longitude becomes 270° measured from a fixed starting point which is in opposition to Spica,{{refn|name=chitrapaksha|{{cite book|title= Traditions of Science. Cross--cultural Perspectives. Essays in honour of B.V. Subbarayappa|first=Raymond|last=Mercier|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers|date=2007|location=New Delhi|editor-first1=Purushottama|editor-last1=Bilimoria|editor-first2=Sridhar|editor-last2=Melukote|at=See discussion of ''Citrā pakṣa''}} }} i.e. this is a sidereal measure. Uttarayana begins when the Sun's ecliptic longitude becomes 270° measured from the Vernal equinox,{{refn|This is the same as saying "when the Sun reaches the December solstice point"}} i.e. this is a tropical measure. While both concern a measure of 270° their starting points are different. Hence, Makar Sankranti and Uttarayana occur on different days. On the Gregorian calendar, Makar Sankranti occurs on 14 or 15 January; Uttarayana starts on 21 December.

Due to the precession of the equinoxes the tropical zodiac (i.e. all the equinoxes and solstices) shifts by about 1° in 72 years. As a result, the December solstice (Uttarayana) is continuously but very slowly moving away from Makar Sankranti. Conversely, the December solstice (Uttarayana) and Makar Sankranti must have coincided at some time in the distant past. Such a coincidence last happened 1700 years back, in 291 CE.{{refn|name=chitrapaksha}}

== Legends == According to Hindu Puranic legends, Makar Sankranti is named after the goddess Sankranti, who defeated the demon Sankarasura. The demon's death marked the occasion of Makara Sankranti. Another demon named Kinkarasura was slain by the goddess on the following day, which is celebrated as "''Kinkrant".'' According to another legend, Surya, the solar deity, visited his son Shani on Makar Sankranti. Though the father and son were described as having a strained relationship, Shani welcomed Surya to his home by offering black sesame seeds ''(til)''. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Das |first=Rashmi Bora |date=2024-01-14 |title=Makar Sankranti: A Celebration Of Abundance And Change |url=https://indiacurrents.com/makar-sankranti-a-celebration-of-abundance-and-change/ |access-date=2026-05-23 |website=India Currents |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-11 |title=Makar Sankranti 2023: Importance of sesame seeds in Hinduism and how they came into being |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/makar-sankranti-2023-importance-of-sesame-seeds-in-hinduism-and-how-they-came-into-being/photostory/96886093.cms?picid=96886108 |access-date=2026-05-23 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

Sesame ''(til)'', one of the most important ritual foods of Makar Sankranti, is also connected with several sacred legends. One account states that when Vishnu became enraged at Hiranyakashipu for persecuting his devotee Prahlada, sweat from Vishnu's body fell on the earth and turned into sesame seeds. According to another legend, Vishnu's sweat transformed into sesame during the Samudra Manthana (churning of the ocean). Because sesame emerged from Vishnu's body, it came to be regarded as sacred and ritually pure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-11 |title=Makar Sankranti 2023: Importance of sesame seeds in Hinduism and how they came into being |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/makar-sankranti-2023-importance-of-sesame-seeds-in-hinduism-and-how-they-came-into-being/photostory/96886093.cms |access-date=2026-05-23 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Regional variations and customs== {{more citations needed section|date=January 2013}} thumb|Kite flying is a tradition of Makar Sankranti in many parts of India.

Makara Sankranti is an important pan-Indian solar festival, known by different names though observed on the same date, sometimes for multiple dates around the Makar Sankranti. It is known as ''Pedda Panduga'/'Makara Sankranti'' in Andhra Pradesh, ''Makara Sankranti'' in Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra, ''Pongal'' in Tamil Nadu,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sankranti in India|url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/makar-sankranti-the-way-it-is-celebrated-in-states-across-india-1335352.html|access-date=2022-01-14|website=News18|date=14 January 2020|language=en|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113062614/https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/makar-sankranti-the-way-it-is-celebrated-in-states-across-india-1335352.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Magh Bihu'' in Assam, ''Magha Mela'' in parts of central and north India, as ''Makar Sankranti'' in the west, ''Makara Sankranti'' or ''Shankaranti'' in Kerala,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sankranti in India|url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/makar-sankranti-the-way-it-is-celebrated-in-states-across-india-1335352.html|access-date=2022-01-14|website=News18|date=14 January 2020|language=en|archive-date=13 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113062614/https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/makar-sankranti-the-way-it-is-celebrated-in-states-across-india-1335352.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and by other names.<ref name="Melton2011p547" />

Many melas or fairs are held on Makar Sankranti the most famous being the Kumbha Mela, held every 12 years at one of four holy locations, namely ''Haridwar'', ''Prayag'' (''Prayagraj''), ''Ujjain'' and ''Nashik,'' the ''Magha Mela'' (or ''mini-Kumbh Mela'' held annually at Prayag) and the ''Gangasagar Mela'' (held at the head of the Ganges River, where it flows into the Bay of Bengal).<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p411" /> Makar Mela in Odisha. Tusu Mela also called as Tusu Porab is celebrated in many parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal. Poush Mela, held traditionally on the seventh day of Poush, at Shantiniketan, in West Bengal, is unrelated to this festival. Mela Maghi is held in memory of the forty Sikh martyrs (''Chalis Mukte'') who gave their lives to protect Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, every year at Muktsar Sahib in Punjab. Before this tradition, the festival was observed and mentioned by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru of Sikhism.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Glimpses of Sikhism|last=Jawandha|first=Nahar Singh|publisher=Sanbun Publishers.|date=1 January 2010}}</ref>

thumb|right|Feast of Makar Sankranti

===Andhra Pradesh and Telangana=== {{Main|Bhogi}}

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the festival of Sankranti is celebrated over four days.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rajat |first1=Gupta |last2=Singh |first2=Nishant |last3=Kirar |first3=Ishita |last4=Kumar Bairwa |first4=Mahesh |title=Hospitality & Tourism Management |publisher=Vikas Publishing House |isbn=978-93-259-8244-4 |page=78 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DatDDAAAQBAJ&dq=Bhogi+festival+andhra+pradesh&pg=PA78 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084340/https://books.google.com/books?id=DatDDAAAQBAJ&dq=Bhogi+festival+andhra+pradesh&pg=PA78 |url-status=live }}</ref> Entrances of homes are decorated with geometric patterns made from colored rice flour, known as Muggu. The four days are observed as Bhogi, Pedda Panduga (the main festival day), Kanuma, and Mukkanuma, respectively.<ref>Subrahmanyam, Y. Subhashini. "The ritual complex of Sankranti." ''Anthropos'' H. 1./2 (1967): 236-238.</ref>thumb|Colorful floor artwork (''muggulu'') decorate entrances and streets during Sankranti

===Assam=== {{Main|Magh Bihu}} thumbnail|right|A Buffalo fight held at Ranthali, in Nagaon District of Assam, on the occasion of Magh bihu.

'''Magh Bihu,''' also called '''Bhogali Bihu''' (Bihu of eating foods and enjoyment) or '''Maghar Domahi''' is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam, India, which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Maagha (January–February).<ref>{{cite news |title=Celebrating Nature's Bounty – Magh Bihu |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html |work=EF News International |access-date=14 January 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117010132/http://www.efi-news.com/2012/01/celebrating-natures-bounty-magh-bihu.html |archive-date=17 January 2012 }}</ref> It is the Assam celebration of Makar Sankranti, with feasting lasting for a week.<ref>{{cite book |title=Fairs & Festivals of India |last=Sharma |first=S. P. |author2=Seema Gupta |year=2006 |publisher=Pustak Mahal |isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 |page=25 }}</ref>

The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires. The day of the Bihu starts at early dawn by a post-harvesting ceremony called "Meji". In this, bonfires are burned in the house, temples, fields and people pray to Agnidev for blessings<ref>{{cite book |title=The New Encyclopædia Britannica |year=1987 |publisher=Encyclopaedia Britannica |isbn=978-0-85229-571-7 |volume=21 |page=[https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 137] |url=https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia07ency/page/137 }}</ref> Young people erect makeshift huts, known as ''Meji'' and ''Bhelaghar'', from bamboo, leaves and thatch, and in ''Bhelaghar'' they eat the food prepared for the feast, and then burn the huts the next morning.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bihu being celebrated with joy across Assam |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204202109/http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011410220300.htm |archive-date=4 February 2005 |work=The Hindu |date=14 January 2005 |access-date=2009-05-02 }}</ref> The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as tekeli bhonga (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bonfire, feast & lots more – Jorhat celebrations promise traditional joy this Magh Bihu |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp |work=The Telegraph |date=12 January 2008 |access-date=2009-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615132816/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080112/jsp/northeast/story_8771062.jsp |archive-date=15 June 2009 }}</ref> Magh Bihu celebrations start on the last day of the previous month, the month of "Pooh", usually the 29th of Pooh and usually 14 January, and is the only day of Magh Bihu in modern times (earlier, the festival would last for the whole month of Magh, and so the name Magh Bihu).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.markinkalpataru.org/MK/assamese_date/assamese_cal.php |title= Assamese calendar |access-date= 15 January 2017 |archive-date= 6 February 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160206062626/http://www.markinkalpataru.org/MK/assamese_date/assamese_cal.php |url-status= live }}</ref> The night before is "Uruka" (28th of Pooh), when people gather around a bonfire, cook dinner, and make merry.<ref>Moran, Parash Jyoti, and N. K. Hashik. "8 Bihu performance of the Morans of Assam." ''Reflections of Dance along the Brahmaputra: Celebrating Dance in North East India'' (2023): 61.</ref>

thumb|A traditional sweet sesame-jaggery based ''ladoo'' exchanged and eaten on Makar Sankranti.

===Goa=== Known as ''Sankrant'' in Goa and like in the rest of the country, people distribute sweets in the form of granules of sugar-coated till pulses among family members and friends. Newly married women offer five ''sughat'' or small clay pots with black beaded threads tied around them, to the deity. These pots are filled with newly harvested food grains and are offered with betel leaves and areca nut.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Of-sesame-laddoos-and-prayers-for-husbands/articleshow/7288470.cms|title=Of sesame laddoos and prayers for husbands – Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=15 January 2011|access-date=16 January 2019|archive-date=15 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715181754/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Of-sesame-laddoos-and-prayers-for-husbands/articleshow/7288470.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Gujarat=== {{Main|International Kite Festival in Gujarat – Uttarayan}}

Uttarayana, as Makar Sankranti is called in Gujarati, is a major festival in the state of Gujarat<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gZRLGZNZEoEC&dq=uttarayan+gujarat&pg=PA66 |title=Desai, Anjali H. (2007) ''India Guide Gujarat''. India Guide Publications |isbn=978-0-9789517-0-2 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=22 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084359/https://books.google.com/books?id=gZRLGZNZEoEC&dq=uttarayan+gujarat&pg=PA66 |url-status=live |last1=Desai |first1=Anjali H. |date=November 2006 |publisher=India Guide Publications }}</ref> which lasts for two days.

* 14 January is Uttarayana * 15 January is Vasi-Uttarayana (Stale Uttarayana).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KUduAAAAMAAJ&q=Vasi-Uttarayan|title=Welcome to Gujarat|first=Rajnee|last=Vyas|date=16 January 2019|publisher=Akshara Prakashan|via=Google Books|access-date=13 September 2020|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220627/https://books.google.com/books?id=KUduAAAAMAAJ&q=Vasi-Uttarayan|url-status=live}}</ref>

In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Uttarayana and is associated with kite flying. People fly Rhombus shaped kites (patang), which are traditionally made of lightweight paper and bamboo. The string often contains abrasives to cut down rival kites. Undhiyu (spicy, baked mix of winter vegetables) and chikkis (made from sesame seeds, peanuts and jaggery) are eaten on this day. The Hindu Sindhi community in western regions of India, that is also found in southeastern parts of Pakistan, celebrate Makar Sankranti as Tirmoori. On this day, parents send sweet dishes to their daughters.<ref>Reejhsinghani, Aroona (2004) Essential Sindhi Cookbook. Penguin Books India [https://books.google.com/books?id=ym9IWIZELc8C&pg=PA14] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084422/https://books.google.com/books?id=ym9IWIZELc8C&pg=PA14|date=22 July 2023}}</ref>

===Haryana and Delhi=== {{anchor | Sakraant | Sakrant | Sakrand | Sakraand | Sindhara | Sidha | Manana }}"Sakraant" in Haryana and Delhi rural areas, is celebrated with traditional Hindu rituals of North India similar to Western UP and border areas of Rajasthan and Punjab. This includes ritual purification by taking the holy dip in rivers, especially in Yamuna, or at sacred ponds such as ancient sarovars Kurukshetra and at local tirtha ponds associated with the ancestral guardian/founder deity of the village called Jathera or Dhok (dahak in Sanskrit or fire) in villages to wash away sins. People prepare kheer, churma, halva with desi ghee and distribute til-gud (sesame and jaggery) laddoos or chikkis. Brothers of married woman visits her home with a gift pack, called "Sindhara" or "Sidha", of wood and warm clothing for her and her husband's family. Women give gift to their in-laws called "Manana". Women congregate in the nearby havelis to sing Haryani folk songs and exchange gifts.<ref name="harn1">[https://www.news18.com/news/india/makar-sankranti-2019-date-time-history-and-how-it-is-celebrated-across-the-country-1997375.html] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110184454/https://www.news18.com/news/india/makar-sankranti-2019-date-time-history-and-how-it-is-celebrated-across-the-country-1997375.html|date=10 January 2019}}, News18, 10 January 2019.</ref>

===Jammu=== In Jammu, ''Makar Sankranti'' is celebrated as {{'}}''Uttrain''{{'}} (derived from Sanskrit: Uttarayana).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k7RjAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A8|title=Ḍogarī-Hindī-śabdakośa|date=2000|publisher=Je. eṇḍa Ke. Akaiḍamī ôpha Ārṭa, Kalcara eṇḍa Laiṅgvejiza|language=hi|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220627/https://books.google.com/books?id=k7RjAAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Śāstrī|first1=Rāmanātha|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SAASAQAAIAAJ&q=%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A8|title=(Rajata jayantī abhinandana grantha).|last2=Mohana|first2=Madana|last3=Langeh|first3=Baldev Singh|date=1970|publisher=Ḍogarī Saṃsthā|language=hi|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220627/https://books.google.com/books?id=SAASAQAAIAAJ&q=%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A8|url-status=live}}</ref> Alternatively, terms {{'}}''Attrain''{{'}} or {{'}}''Attrani''{{'}} have also been used to describe this festival. Among the Dogras, there is a tradition of {{'}}''Mansana''{{'}} (charity) of Khichdi of Maah Dal. ''Khichdi'' of ''Maah di Dal'' is also prepared on this day and that is why this day is also referred to as {{'}}''Khichdi wala Parva''{{'}}. Dhagwal in Hiranagar tehsil is known for its fair on ''Makar Sankranti'' and Janamashtami.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nirmohī|first=Śiva|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vgo9AAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0|title=Ḍuggara kī saṃskr̥ti|date=1988|publisher=Narendra Pabliśiṅga Hāusa|language=hi|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220628/https://books.google.com/books?id=vgo9AAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2+%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0|url-status=live}}</ref> People of Jammu also take a holy bath in the ''Devika'' river and make pilgrimages to ''Uttar Behni'' and Purmandal on this occasion.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Śāstrī|first=Bī Ke|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L14JAQAAIAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF+|title=Duggara ca Devika Nadi da samskrtaka mahatava: On the importance and significance of the Devika River, Jammu region, on the sociocultural life of the people|date=1980|publisher=Ajaya Prakasana|language=hi|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220628/https://books.google.com/books?id=L14JAQAAIAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF+|url-status=live}}</ref> Makar Sankranti is celebrated as the birth anniversary of ''Baba Ambo ji'', a local deity of the Jammu region.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XLv-ch3DeNQC&q=%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%98%E0%A5%80+%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%82|title=University Review: Journal of the University of Jammu|date=1996|publisher=The University|language=hi|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220627/https://books.google.com/books?id=XLv-ch3DeNQC&q=%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%98%E0%A5%80+%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%82|url-status=live}}</ref> At the Vasuki temple of Bhaderwah in Jammu, the idols of ''Vasuki Nag'' are covered on ''Magh Sankranti'' and they are uncovered only after three months on ''Vaisakha Sankranti''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nirmohī |first=Śiva |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vgo9AAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF+%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9 |title=Ḍuggara kī saṃskr̥ti |date=1988 |publisher=Narendra Pabliśiṅga Hāusa |language=hi |access-date=14 February 2021 |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220629/https://books.google.com/books?id=vgo9AAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF+%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Jasta|first=Hariram|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9mY4AAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%98+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF+|title=Bhārata meṃ Nāgapūjā aura paramparā|date=1982|publisher=Sanmārga Prakāśana|language=hi|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220627/https://books.google.com/books?id=9mY4AAAAMAAJ&q=%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%98+%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF+|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Karnataka=== alt=Mysuru Decorated Cow. January 2017|thumb|Mysuru Decorated Cows. January 2017.

This is the ''Suggi'' (ಸುಗ್ಗಿ) or harvest festival for farmers of Karnataka. On this auspicious day, girls wear new clothes to visit near and dear ones with a Sankranti offering in a plate and exchange the same with other families. This ritual is called "Ellu Birodhu." Here the plate would normally contain "Ellu" (white sesame seeds) mixed with fried groundnuts, neatly cut dry coconut and fine cut bella (jaggery). The mixture is called "Ellu-Bella" (ಎಳ್ಳು ಬೆಲ್ಲ). The plate contains shaped sugar candy moulds (Sakkare Acchu, ಸಕ್ಕರೆ ಅಚ್ಚು) with a piece of sugarcane. During the occasion, newly married women give away bananas for five years to married women from the first year of her marriage.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-01-15|title=Makara sankranti|url=https://www.india.com/festivals-events/makar-sankranti-in-karnataka-date-significance-and-celebration-of-suggi-habba-2843830/|access-date=2021-08-09|website=india.com|language=en-US|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809082617/https://www.india.com/festivals-events/makar-sankranti-in-karnataka-date-significance-and-celebration-of-suggi-habba-2843830/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-16 |title=Cows made to walk on fire as a ritual in Karnataka’s harvest festival |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cows-made-to-walk-on-fire-as-a-ritual-in-karnataka-s-harvest-festival/story-rOUSPOirTGsjkNGlNVA5UO.html |access-date=2026-04-11 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

===Maharashtra=== thumb|Multicolored sugar halwa surrounded by til-gul (sesame and jaggery) ladoos. These exchanged and eaten on Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra.

In Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by the exchange of tilgul, sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, accompanied by the traditional greeting "Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola" ("Accept this tilgul and speak sweetly"). In many Marathi households, foods such as gulachi poli (jaggery-filled flatbread) and sesame-based sweets are specially prepared during the festival.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-14 |title=Tilgul: A Indian sweet that encourages kind words |url=https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240113-tilgul-a-indian-sweet-that-encourages-kind-words |access-date=2026-05-21 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Wearing black clothing on Makar Sankranti is a unique regional custom. Since Sakranti falls in the winter months, wearing black keeps the body warm. This is an essential reason behind wearing black, which is otherwise barred on festival days.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-01-14 |title=Why you should wear black on Makar Sankranti |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/fashion/style-guide/why-you-should-wear-black-on-makar-sankranti/articleshow/88883878.cms |access-date=2026-05-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> As per another legend, Lord Surya forgave his son Shani and his son visited him on Sankranti.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Satpathy|first=Kriti Saraswat|date=2017-01-12|title=Makar Sankranti 2017: How is Sankranti celebrated in Maharashtra|url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/makar-sankranti-2017-how-is-sankranti-celebrated-in-maharashtra-3230741/|access-date=2021-01-15|website=India News, Breaking News {{!}} India.com|language=en|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121072225/https://www.india.com/travel/articles/makar-sankranti-2017-how-is-sankranti-celebrated-in-maharashtra-3230741/|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Odisha===

The festival is known as Makara Sankranti in Odisha<ref>Goyal, Ashutosh (2014) ''RBS Visitors Guide India – Odisha: Odisha Travel Guide''. Data and Expo India Pvt Ltd [https://books.google.com/books?id=MHw7CQAAQBAJ&dq=makar+sankranti+in+odisha&pg=PT78] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084847/https://books.google.com/books?id=MHw7CQAAQBAJ&dq=makar+sankranti+in+odisha&pg=PT78|date=22 July 2023}}</ref> where people prepare ''makara chaula'' ({{langx|or|'''ମକର ଚାଉଳ'''}}): uncooked newly harvested rice, banana, coconut, jaggery, sesame, rasagola, Khai/Liaa and chhena puddings for naivedya to gods and goddesses. The withdrawing winter entails a change in food habits and intake of nourishing and rich food. Therefore, this festival holds traditional cultural significance. It is astronomically important for devotees who worship the sun god at the great Konark temple with fervour and enthusiasm as the sun starts its annual swing northwards.<ref name="Bhubaneswar-MS">{{Cite news|author=Times News Network (TNN) |date=15 January 2014 |title=Makar Sankranti observed with pomp in state |newspaper=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Makar-Sankranti-observed-with-pomp-in-state/articleshow/28805682.cms? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115181106/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Makar-Sankranti-observed-with-pomp-in-state/articleshow/28805682.cms |archive-date=15 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to various Indian calendars, the Sun's movement changes and the days from this day onwards become lengthier and warmer and so the Sun-God is worshiped on this day as a great benefactor. Many individuals at the start of the day perform a ritual bath while fasting.<ref name="Bhubaneswar-MS" /> Makara Mela (Fun fair) is observed at Dhabaleswar in Cuttack, Hatakeshwar at Atri in Khordha, Makara Muni temple in Balasore and near deities in each district of Odisha. In Puri special rituals are carried out at the temple of Lord Jagannath.<ref name="Bhubaneswar-MS" />

===Punjab=== {{Main|Maghi}}

thumb|Mela

In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi which is a religious and cultural festival. A major mela is held at Sri Muktsar Sahib on Maghi which commemorates a historical event in Sikh history.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Makar Sankranti {{!}} What, When, Why, How To Celebrate {{!}} All Indian Festivals|date=7 November 2021|url=https://www.allindianfestivals.in/makar-sankranti/|access-date=2021-11-08|language=en-US|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108144919/https://www.allindianfestivals.in/makar-sankranti/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Rajasthan and Western Madhya Pradesh (Malwa and Nimar)=== "Makar Sankrati" or "Sakraat" in the Rajasthani language<ref>{{Cite news|author=Krishnan, Rukmini|date=10 January 2014|title=Makar Sankranti Celebrations|newspaper=DNA (Diligent Media Corporation)|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/blogs/post-makar-sankranti-celebrations-1948796|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115160505/http://www.dnaindia.com/blogs/post-makar-sankranti-celebrations-1948796|archive-date=15 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> is one of the major festivals in the state of Rajasthan. The day is celebrated with special Rajasthani delicacies and sweets such as pheeni (either with sweet milk or sugar syrup dipped), til-patti, gajak, kheer, ghevar, pakodi, puwa, and til-laddoo.<ref name="ifoodtv">{{Cite web |title=Makar Sankranti Food |publisher=Ifood TV |url=http://www.ifood.tv/network/makar_sankranti |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116101046/http://www.ifood.tv/network/makar_sankranti |archive-date=16 January 2014 }}</ref> Kite flying is traditionally observed as a part of this festival, prominently in the Malwa and Nimar regions.<ref name="PTI-kites">{{Cite news|author=Press Trust of India (PTI)|author-link=Press Trust of India|date=14 January 2014|title=Makar Sankranti celebrations: Sky lanterns dot the sky|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-14/jaipur/46184221_1_sky-lanterns-colourful-kites-handipura|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115155501/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-01-14/jaipur/46184221_1_sky-lanterns-colourful-kites-handipura|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=15 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indore: People excited to celebrate Makar Sankranti |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-people-excited-to-celebrate-makar-sankranti |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120072425/https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/indore-people-excited-to-celebrate-makar-sankranti |url-status=live }}</ref> On this occasion the sky in Jaipur and Hadoti regions is filled with kites, and youngsters engage in contests trying to cut each other's strings.<ref name="PTI-kites" />

===Tamil Nadu and Puducherry=== {{Main|Pongal (festival)}}

thumb|The Tamil festival of Pongal coincides with Makar Sankranti, and celebrates ''Surya''. Makar Sankranti is a four-day festival in Tamil Nadu, celebrated from the last day of the Tamil month of Margazhi to the third day of the month of Thai (Pausha), with each day observed as Bhogi Pandigai, Thai Pongal, Maattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal, respectively.<ref>Kanagaraj, Vairamuthu, Sridevi Venigalla, and Goli Penchala Prasad. "Pongal’s Heritage: An Ayurvedic Perspective." ''Journal of Indian Medical Heritage'' 2.4 (2023): 171-181.</ref> ===Kerala=== In Kerala, Makara Sankranti is closely related with the Sabarimala Ayyappa pilgrimage season. The day marks Makara Samkrama, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Makaram (Capricorn). At Sabarimala, thousands of devotees gather to witness the Makara Jyothi, a bright light that appears on the horizon near Ponnambalamedu. It is one of the most important moments of the pilgrimage season, and marks the conclusion of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku worship period at the hill shrine.<ref>{{Cite book |last=U |first=Chandrashekar B. |url=https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Nq6eEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP10&dq=makara+jyothi+kerala+makar+sankranti&ots=KX7PeNj645&sig=hK5vPYcEqTEFATY2KRY4g9cfgss#v=onepage&q=jyothi&f=false |title=Astronomy In Ancient Indian Belief Systems |publisher=Chandrashekar B U |language=en}}</ref><ref>BG, Mr Mukunda. "Impact of Pilgrimage Tourism with Special Reference to Sabarimala, Pathanamthita, Kerala."</ref>

===Tripura=== Among sections of the Tripuri community, Makar Sankranti is observed as ''Hangrai.'' Preparations typically begin two to three days in advance, including cleaning homes, washing utensils and household articles, decorating houses, and preparing traditional cakes, dishes, and drinks for relatives and communal feasts. The ''Hangrai Nok'' is a temporary bamboo-and-thatch hut constructed near ponds or water bodies by children between the ages 7-19. Construction may take five to seven days, with youths gathering thatch from paddy fields and pooling money to buy food. On the eve of the festival, they cook, feast, and remain overnight in the hut. Before dawn, the hut is ceremonially burned, after which participants bathe in nearby ponds or rivers. In some families, sons or close male relatives of deceased persons undertake pilgrimage to Dumbur (Tirthamukh), where ashes or remains of deceased parents or elders are immersed in the waters of the Gumti River.<ref>A STUDY ON THE FOLK FESTIVAL OF TRIPURA TRIBALWITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO-DEBBARMA, REANG AND JAMATIA 1Baby Debbarma 2Ramengzaua Kaipeng 1Student-Teacher, IASE, Tripura, India 2Guest Faculty, School of Education, Tripura University, India</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=‘Makar Samkranti’ celebrated peacefully and with religious fervour across the state |url=https://www.tripurainfo.com/EnglishNews.aspx?intnid=4717 |access-date=2026-05-23 |website=tripurainfo DOT com |language=en}}</ref>

===Uttar Pradesh=== The festival is known as ''Kicheri'' in Purvanchal and Awadh parts of Uttar Pradesh and involves ritual bathing.<ref>Bhalla, Kartar Singh (2005) Let's Know Festivals of India. Star Publications [https://books.google.com/books?id=WORYY5Vl0ygC&dq=makar+sankranti&pg=PA11] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084940/https://books.google.com/books?id=WORYY5Vl0ygC&dq=makar+sankranti&pg=PA11|date=22 July 2023}}</ref> Over two million people gather at their respective sacred places for this holy bathing such as Prayagraj and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand.<ref name="UP-sankranti">{{Cite news|date=15 January 2012|title=Traditional fervour marks Makar Sankranti|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-15/kanpur/30629290_1_tilkut-traditional-fervour-marks-makar-sankranti|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115172152/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-15/kanpur/30629290_1_tilkut-traditional-fervour-marks-makar-sankranti|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=15 January 2014}}</ref> Khichdi has a special prominence on this day, hence the vernacular name of the Festival.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Makar Sankranti 2024: What Is The Significance Of Having Khichdi On This Festival (With Khichdi Recipes) |url=https://food.ndtv.com/news/makar-sankranti-2024-what-is-the-significance-of-having-khichdi-on-this-festival-with-khichdi-recipes-2164347 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121014014/https://food.ndtv.com/news/makar-sankranti-2024-what-is-the-significance-of-having-khichdi-on-this-festival-with-khichdi-recipes-2164347 |archive-date=2026-01-21 |access-date=2026-05-20 |work=NDTV Food}}</ref>

===Uttarakhand=== Makar Sankranti is a popular festival in Uttarakhand. It known by various names in the different parts of the state such as Uttarayani, Khichri Sangrand, Pusyodia, Ghughutia, Ghughuti Tyar, Kale Kauva, Makrain, Makraini, Gholda, Gwalda and Chunyatyar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.euttaranchal.com/culture/makar-sankranti-ghugutia|title=eUttaranchal – Rediscover Uttarakhand – Tourism, Culture & People|website=euttaranchal.com|date=6 March 2013|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-18|archive-date=22 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922204855/https://www.euttaranchal.com/culture/makar-sankranti-ghugutia|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Bagnath Temple, Uttrayani 2018.jpg|thumb|Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar during the Uttarayani Fair, 2018.]] The Uttarayani Fair is held in Bageshwar town each year in the month of January on the occasion of Makar Sankrati.<ref>{{cite book |editor-last1=Singh |editor-first1=S.K. |editor-last2=Nag |editor-first2=P. |title=Tourism and trekking in Nainital Region|date=1999|publisher=Concept Pub.|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-7022-769-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=पतित पावनी सरयू-गोमती नदी का संगम गंदगी मुक्त हुआ|url=http://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/bageshwar/dirt-is-the-confluence-of-gomti-river-sarayu-degenerate-pawnee|access-date=24 May 2017|work=Amar Ujala Bureau|publisher=Amar Ujala|date=26 December 2016|location=Bageshwar|language=hi|archive-date=16 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116101046/http://www.ifood.tv/network/makar_sankranti|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the Almora Gazetteer, even in the early twentieth century, the annual Uttarayani mela at Bageshwar was visited by approximately 15,000 people and was the largest fair of Kumaon division.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Almora: A Gazetter|last=Walton|first=H. G.|publisher=The Government Press, United Provinces.|year=1911|location=Allahabad|pages=Appendix XXIV}}</ref> The religious ritual of the Uttarayani mela consists of bathing before daybreak at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti followed by an offering of water to Lord Shiva inside the Bagnath Temple.<ref name="pant">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dcXNpmsxSn0C&q=bagnath+temple&pg=PA197|title=The Social Economy of the Himalayans: Based on a Survey in the Kumaon Himalayas|last1=Pant|first1=Shiva Darshan|year=1988|publisher=Mittal Publications|page=197|language=en|access-date=15 October 2016|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084851/https://books.google.com/books?id=dcXNpmsxSn0C&q=bagnath+temple&pg=PA197|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.makarsankranti.in/|title=Choliya dances enthrall at Bageshwar mela|date=14 June 2016|access-date=15 December 2018|publisher=Harsha S|agency=TNN|location=Almora|archive-date=16 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032129/https://www.makarsankranti.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> Some devotees continue this practice for three days in succession, which is known as "Trimaghi".<ref name="pant" /> On this day, people also give 'khichdi' (a dish made by mixing pulses and rice) in charity, take ceremonial dips in holy rivers, participate in Uttarayani fairs, and offer deep fried sweetmeats consisting of flour and jaggery to crows and other birds as a way to pay homage to the departed souls of their ancestors.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.euttarakhand.com/ghughuti-the-mouth-watering-festival-of-kumaon|title=Ghughuti 'The Mouth-Watering Festival of Kumaon', Ghughuti Festival|date=2016-11-02|website=Uttarakhand Stories – Connect to Uttarakhand with eUttarakhand and Share Stories|language=en|access-date=2020-01-15|archive-date=15 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115122046/https://www.euttarakhand.com/ghughuti-the-mouth-watering-festival-of-kumaon|url-status=live}}</ref>

===West Bengal=== thumb|A feast at Poush Sankranti In West Bengal, Makar Sankranti is also known as Poush Sankranti named after the Bengali month in which it falls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z8FFAQAAIAAJ&q=poush+sankranti+bengal|title=West Bengal District Gazetteers: Calcutta and Howrah|date=16 January 1972|publisher=State editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers|via=Google Books|access-date=13 September 2020|archive-date=22 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422220629/https://books.google.com/books?id=z8FFAQAAIAAJ&q=poush+sankranti+bengal|url-status=live}}</ref> Freshly harvested paddy and date palm syrup in the form of Khejurer Gur (Bengali: খেজুরের গুড়) and Patali (Bengali: পাটালি) are used in the preparation of a variety of traditional Bengali sweets made with rice flour, coconut, and milk. These sweets are known as ''Pitha.''<ref>{{Cite news |title=From jolbhora to badam patali: How gur anchors the sweet Bengali winter |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/lifestyle/be-it-jhola-gur-pithe-or-joynagarer-moa-gur-is-kolkatas-hero-of-makar-sankranti-and-poush-parbon/cid/1847568 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215080449/https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/lifestyle/be-it-jhola-gur-pithe-or-joynagarer-moa-gur-is-kolkatas-hero-of-makar-sankranti-and-poush-parbon/cid/1847568 |archive-date=2026-02-15 |access-date=2026-05-26 |language=en}}</ref>

In the Sundarbans, Dakkhin Rai is worshipped at Dhapdhapi as a tall white-complexioned hunter deity carrying a gun. His temple at Dhapdhapi attracts large gatherings during Makar Sankranti, when the ''"Jatal Puja"'' commemorates his birth. Worship continues through the month of Asharh. Although Dakkhin Rai is regarded as a folk deity, rituals at the temple are performed by Brahmin priests.<ref>Biswas, Suptendu P. "People-Nature-Culture of a Place–Understanding Festivals of the Sundarbans." ''INTACH lecture series'' 20 (2019): 151-173.</ref>

In the Himalayan regions of Darjeeling, the festival is as known as Magey Sakrati. It is distinctly associated with the worship of Lord Shiva. Traditionally, people bathe at sunrise and then commence their pooja. Elsewhere, many people take a dip in places like Ganga Sagar.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article2803812.ece|title=Devotees throng Gangasagar on Makara Sankranti|website=The Hindu|date=15 January 2012 |access-date=15 January 2012|archive-date=20 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120003705/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article2803812.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Ganga Sagar falls in West Bengal.

==Outside India== ===Bangladesh === {{See also|Shakrain}} Shakrain is an annual celebration of winter in Bangladesh in the downtown of Dhaka, observed with the flying of kites. Many families in villages across Bangladesh observe Makar Sankranti in many ways. The holiday is observed by a significant amount of the Bengali diaspora as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.thedailystar.net/star-weekend/shakrain-festival-kites-and-fireworks-205195|title = Shakrain: A festival of Kites and Fireworks|date = 22 January 2016|access-date = 6 February 2018|archive-date = 6 February 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180206190333/http://www.thedailystar.net/star-weekend/shakrain-festival-kites-and-fireworks-205195|url-status = live}}</ref>

===Nepal=== thumb|Maghe Sankranti Food Maghe Sankranti is a Nepalese festival observed on the first of Magha in the Vikram Sambat (B.S) calendar (about 14 January). Tharu people celebrate this particular day as new year. It is also regarded as the major government declared annual festival of the Magar community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Magar, Tharu communities observe Maghi festival (in pictures) |url=https://kathmandupost.com/valley/2016/01/15/magar-tharu-communities-observe-maghi-festival-in-pictures |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927133744/https://kathmandupost.com/valley/2016/01/15/magar-tharu-communities-observe-maghi-festival-in-pictures |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Pakistan (Sindh)=== On this festive day, Sindhi parents send ladoos and chiki (Laaee) made of sesame seeds to their married daughters. The Sindhi community in India too celebrate Makar Sankranti as Tirmoori which involves parents sending sweet dishes to their daughters.<ref>Reejhsinghani, Aroona (2004) Essential Sindhi Cookbook. Penguin Books India [https://books.google.com/books?id=ym9IWIZELc8C&dq=sindh+sankranti&pg=PA14] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722084848/https://books.google.com/books?id=ym9IWIZELc8C&dq=sindh+sankranti&pg=PA14|date=22 July 2023}}</ref>

===Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and among Tamil diasporas worldwide=== On this day, the Tamil farmers and the Tamil People honour and perform a pooja to the Sun God Suriya Narayanan. This happens when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). The Thai Pongal festival is celebrated in mid-January, or the Tamil month of Thai, to coincide with the rice harvest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pongalfestival.org/ulavar-thirunaal-sri-lanka.html|title=Harvest Festival in Sri Lanka – Ulavar Thirunaal, Pongal Festival|website=pongalfestival.org|access-date=14 January 2018|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115001415/http://www.pongalfestival.org/ulavar-thirunaal-sri-lanka.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Pongal practices and rituals in Sri Lanka and diasporic countries aren't much differentiated from those followed in Southern India, outside notably the Jalikkattu practice, which is not existent among Sri Lankan Tamils and diasporic Tamil communities.

In Sri Lanka, celebrations of Pongal extend generally to two days and not four, and instead of the Pongal dish, a similar food called Pukkai is offered. Its preparation happen on the first day and not on the second as in India (where Pongal start one day earlier with Boghi day). Hence here, Pongal celebration is focused on the day of Thai Pongal only.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Indrakumar |first=Menaka |title=Thai Pongal: The Harvest Festival |url=https://archives1.dailynews.lk/2021/01/14/features/238757/thai-pongal-harvest-festival |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=Daily News (Sri Lanka) |language=en |publication-date=2021-01-14 |archive-date=15 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115205834/https://archives1.dailynews.lk/2021/01/14/features/238757/thai-pongal-harvest-festival |url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also== * Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar * List of Hindu festivals * Jallikattu * List of harvest festivals * Uttarayana

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Makar Sankranti}} {{Wikiquote}}

{{Navboxes|list= {{Hindu festivals}} {{Hindudharma}} {{Sindhi festivals}} {{Winter solstice}} }}

Category:Sankranti Category:Religious festivals in India Category:Festivals in Maharashtra Category:Hindu festivals in Nepal Category:Culture of Gujarat Category:Hindu astronomy Category:Hindu festivals Category:January observances Category:Public holidays in Nepal Category:Bengali festivals Category:Punjabi festivals Category:Winter festivals Category:Hindu festivals in India Category:Observances set by the Vikram Samvat calendar Category:Religious festivals in Bangladesh Category:Harvest festivals Category:Hindu festivals in Bangladesh