Makar Sankranti 2026 Places to Visit: As the sun begins its northward journey, the festive season commences. It starts with the auspicious festival of Makar Sankranti, which will be celebrated on January 14th or 15th, 2026. Makar Sankranti is celebrated throughout the country, but with different names and customs. The festival of Makar Sankranti marks the transition from darkness to light and from cold to warmth.

This is the day when the Sun God enters the Capricorn zodiac sign, beginning its journey from Dakshinayana (southward) to Uttarayana (northward). This is considered extremely auspicious in Indian tradition. The joy of new harvests in the fields, the sweetness of sesame and jaggery in homes, and colorful kites filling the sky – Makar Sankranti creates a joyous atmosphere in every way.

However, this festival is not celebrated the same way throughout India. Each region celebrates it with its own unique colors, names, and traditions. Let's explore some places where the Makar Sankranti celebrations are truly spectacular.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is not just a festival, but a public celebration. International kite festivals are organized in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. People fly kites from their rooftops with cries of "Kai Po Che!" Undhiyu, jalebi, and chikki are popular treats. At night, Tukkal (lantern kites) make the sky look magical.

Prayagraj

In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by taking a holy dip in the Sangam (confluence). In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti means a sacred bath. Millions of devotees take a dip in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj. Charity, offering khichdi, sesame seeds, and clothes, are of special significance. This day is considered a symbol of spiritual purification.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, a four-day festival is celebrated as Pongal. In South India, Makar Sankranti is known as Pongal. This is a four-day festival: Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kanum Pongal. Sweet Pongal made from the new harvest, the worship of cows and bulls, and rangoli designs in front of homes make this festival a celebration of farmers and their hard work.

Rajasthan

Here, kite flying and folk culture come together. Kite flying competitions, folk songs, and traditional dishes in Jaipur and other cities make Makar Sankranti a special occasion. Women wear traditional attire and offer prayers to the sun.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is a festival of social harmony. People exchange sesame and jaggery sweets (tilgul) and say, "Tilgul ghya, god god bola," which means, "Take tilgul and speak sweetly." The message is that just as sesame and jaggery combine to create sweetness, so too should we leave behind bitterness and embrace sweetness in our lives.

PC Social Media