Makar Sankranti : Traditions, Rituals, and Celebrations Across India

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Makar Sankranti. A festival that feels like the gentle touch of sunlight after a long, cold winter. A day where hope dances in the air, carried by the breeze. It marks the Sun’s sacred transition into Capricorn. A celestial moment when the cold embrace of winter begins to loosen its grip, and the promise of brighter, longer days becomes real.

The air, crisp and invigorating, carries a new warmth. A subtle reminder that nature is shifting, renewing, awakening. Across the country, hearts and homes come alive with celebration. Families reunite. Communities gather. The barriers of distance and time fade, replaced by laughter, shared meals, and rituals.

It’s not just a day. It’s a feeling. A time when traditions breathe life into the present. When colorful kites fill the skies, they carry with them the aspirations of millions. Dreams soaring higher with every tug of the string. The festival envelops everyone in its glow, like a comforting embrace, reminding us of unity, resilience, and the beauty of shared joy.

A festival that feels like a fresh start. A reason to be grateful. To connect.

Why Celebrate Makar Sankranti?

The Sun moves into Capricorn, and this change means more than just a shift in the sky. It marks the end of the cold, dark winter days. As the Sun enters Capricorn, the days start to get longer and warmer. It brings the promise of light and the start of spring. It’s a fresh new beginning, a time for looking back and moving forward with hope and joy.

In Odisha, this is called Magha Sankranti, while in other parts of India, it’s Makar Sankranti. This festival has deep roots in India’s farming traditions. It’s a harvest festival, a time to thank nature for its gifts—the crops, the earth, and the harvest. The Sun’s movement marks the end of one season and the start of another.

Makar Sankranti also happens at the time of Uttarayan, when the Sun begins its journey north. The days get longer, and the warmth of the Sun spreads across the land, bringing hope, growth, and new possibilities.

What to Eat on Makar Sankranti?

Food is at the heart of every festival, and Makar Sankranti is no different. In Odisha, tilgud takes center stage—sesame and jaggery. A perfect combination of warmth and sweetness. These small treats are more than just food. They represent the warmth of relationships and the sweetness of life. Each bite is a reminder of gratitude, nourishment, and connection.

Each part of India adds its own special flavor to the celebration, creating a beautiful mix of tastes and traditions. In Gujarat, undhiyu is a favorite—a hearty vegetable and bean stew filled with love and warmth. Every bite feels like a moment shared with family, as they cook and eat together under the cool winter sun. And chikki, made of jaggery and peanuts, isn’t just a sweet—it’s a bite of joy, passed down through generations.

Down in Tamil Nadu, Pongal is the star. This savory rice dish, fresh and fragrant, feels like a warm hug from nature itself. Made as an offering to the Sun and cattle, each grain of rice speaks of respect and gratitude for the Earth’s gifts.

In West Bengal, it’s all about pithas—sweet rice cakes, carefully made and shared with friends and family. Each piece carries a sense of care, love, and togetherness. The warmth of these dishes is like the spirit of the day—celebrating love, unity, and the richness of tradition.

How do people worship the Sun on Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti begins in the hush of early morning. The sky, still draped in darkness, holds a quiet promise—a tender whisper of the light to come. Families stir before dawn, the chill of the morning air bracing yet invigorating. The first step? A sacred bath. Holy rivers and serene lakes become places of renewal. As the icy water touches the skin, it feels like shedding the weight of the past. Cleansing the body. Purifying the soul.

The Sun God, Surya, becomes the focus of every heart. Devotees stand in reverence, their hands folded in prayer. They chant mantras that seem to weave into the morning breeze. Offerings—water, flowers, sesame seeds—are made with sincerity, each item a humble token of gratitude. The Sun’s energy is more than warmth; it’s a lifeforce. It’s believed to purify, to heal, and to fill weary spirits with newfound strength.

This moment isn’t just about tradition. It’s about emotion. A chance to pause. To reflect on the journey so far and to embrace the path ahead. The simplicity of the rituals holds profound meaning. As the Sun climbs higher in the sky, so too does the feeling of hope. The day blossoms into something more. Devotion turns into celebration. Togetherness takes root. And hearts are filled with an indescribable warmth, mirroring the Sun’s own glow.

Why do people fly kites on Makar Sankranti?

Kite flying isn’t just a fun activity. It’s a tradition deeply tied to the spirit of Makar Sankranti. Colorful kites fill the sky, creating a vibrant tapestry against the bright sun. The air is filled with energy—freedom, excitement, and joy. Watching a kite soar higher and higher is exhilarating. But it’s more than just a thrilling sight.

Flying kites carries deeper meanings. It represents aspirations, dreams, and ambitions. The higher the kite rises, the higher our hopes seem to go. It’s as if the connection between the people, the Sun, and the earth is mirrored in the kites. The act symbolizes a reach for greater heights, a celebration of life’s potential.

There's also a health benefit to flying kites. It’s believed that the sunlight helps the body absorb vitamin D, which is especially beneficial in winter, boosting energy and well-being.

Historically, kites had practical purposes. They were used to send messages, track the weather, and even for military signaling. But over time, they transformed into a joyous tradition. Today, they’re a way for communities to come together—to share in the celebration, engage in friendly competition, and connect with one another. It’s a moment of collective joy, shared under the same sky.

Is Kite Flying Good or Bad?

Flying kites is joyful and fun—a beautiful way to celebrate Makar Sankranti with family and friends. However, it’s important to be mindful of the practices that come with it. Manjha, the glass-coated string used for kite flying, is a popular but dangerous element. While it can make the kite sharper and more competitive, it can also cause harm. Manjha can injure people, especially those who accidentally come into contact with it, and it can hurt or even kill birds. The beauty of the tradition should never come at the cost of safety, so there’s a growing push to encourage safer, eco-friendly kite flying.

Switching to natural strings or using plastic-free kite materials can help reduce these risks. It's also important to dispose of old, unused kites responsibly, ensuring that they don't end up as litter in nature. By being mindful, we can preserve this vibrant tradition while keeping our skies colorful and safe for all.

If you're new to kite flying, here are a few tips on how to protect yourself from kite-related accidents and injuries to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience:

1. Wear protective gear: If you're flying a kite with a glass-coated string, it’s a good idea to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and arms from accidental cuts.

2. Choose a safe area: Pick an open space away from roads, power lines, and crowds. Avoid crowded areas where kites can easily collide or cause accidents.

3. Use eco-friendly strings: Opt for safer kite threads that don’t cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment.

4. Stay aware of your surroundings: Be cautious of other kite flyers, pedestrians, and vehicles. Always keep an eye on the kite's path to avoid accidents.

5. Dispose of kites and strings properly: After your fun, make sure to clean up after yourself. Dispose of the strings and kites in trash bins to prevent any harm to the environment or wildlife.

By being mindful of these steps, you can fully enjoy the joy of kite flying and help keep Makar Sankranti a safe, happy, and eco-friendly celebration!

What to Avoid on Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is more than a festival. It’s a day of purity. A time to step away from the noise of everyday life and focus on what truly matters. The traditions are a gentle guide, reminding us of the importance of simplicity and virtue. Non-vegetarian food? Set aside. Alcohol? Nowhere in sight. This isn’t a day for indulgence, but for spiritual cleansing.

It’s a moment for reflection. To look inward and find gratitude for life’s blessings. To let go of anger, grudges, and negativity. These emotions have no place here. Instead, kindness takes center stage. Acts of charity ripple through communities, touching lives and spreading hope. The air feels lighter, filled with goodwill and the quiet joy of giving.

Makar Sankranti invites us to embrace the best within ourselves. It’s a reminder that even as the Sun brings warmth and light to the world, we too can bring warmth and light to others.

How is Makar Sankranti Celebrated in Odisha?

In Odisha, Makar Sankranti, or Makara Chaula, is a blend of devotion, joy, and culinary tradition. A special offering called Makara Chaula is prepared—a dish made with newly harvested rice, jaggery, coconut, banana, and milk. This dish, rich in symbolism, is offered to the Sun God, Surya, as a gesture of gratitude for a prosperous harvest.

What do people eat on Makar Sankranti in Odisha?

The festive table is a canvas of tradition and love, adorned with tilgud—sweet sesame and jaggery delights that melt in your mouth, leaving behind the comforting warmth of winter memories. Alongside, there’s an array of traditional pithas—from the soft, fragrant manda pitha to the crisp, golden arisa pitha. Each bite carries with it the essence of celebration, the care of those who prepared it, and the joy of sharing.

These foods are more than just festive treats; they are symbols of connection. Warmth. Sweetness. Community spirit. They remind us that Makar Sankranti isn’t just a day of rituals; it’s a feast for the soul, bringing people together over flavors steeped in love and tradition.

How do people celebrate Makar Sankranti in Odisha?

Devotees gather in temples, their hearts full of devotion and hope. The sound of mantras fills the air as people offer prayers with love and gratitude. Each prayer—flowers, water, and kind words—is a way to connect with the divine, seeking blessings for a brighter year ahead.

Outside, the skies are alive with colorful kites. They soar high, carried by the wind, representing freedom and dreams. Every time a kite climbs higher, it feels like a shared moment of hope and joy, as if everyone’s aspirations are flying together.

Families come together for big, delicious feasts, filling the air with laughter and warmth. The aroma of traditional foods brings comfort, and the act of sharing meals strengthens the bonds of love. Along with the celebration, people also practice kindness through charity—donating food, clothes, and other essentials to those in need.

In Odisha, Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival. It’s a time to honor nature, to appreciate family, and to celebrate traditions that bring everyone together. It’s about giving thanks, sharing joy, and feeling connected to the world around us.

Regional Celebrations Across India

Makar Sankranti isn’t the same everywhere. Each region has its own spin. But the essence remains the same: gratitude, community, and celebration.

• In Gujarat, it’s Uttarayan. The highlight? Kite flying. The skies are filled with colors. The food is rich. Undhiyu. Chikki. It’s a time for community. For bonding.

• In Punjab, it’s Lohri. A festival of light. Bonfires burn brightly. People dance. They sing. The harvest is celebrated. The warmth of the fire matches the warmth of the community.

• In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is the festival of nature. A day to honor the Sun, cattle, and the harvest. The dish? Pongal, made with rice, lentils, and spices. It’s simple. But full of meaning.

• In West Bengal, it’s the rituals by the Ganges. Known as Pousha Sankranti. Pithe shared between loved ones. A symbol of unity. Of togetherness.

Final thoughts 

Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival. It’s a feeling. A connection. Between people. Between nature. Between the celestial and earthly realms. The colorful kites, the sweet treats, the rituals, the prayers ; all come together in a beautiful display of gratitude and hope. As the Sun moves into Capricorn, it brings warmth. New beginnings. And the promise of brighter days ahead. So, this Makar Sankranti, may your life be filled with sweetness, warmth, and a sense of renewal.

Wishing you and your family a joyous Makar Sankranti! May the warmth of the Sun bring prosperity and happiness into your life.