Makar Sankranti is one of the few major Hindu festivals fixed to the solar calendar, celebrated across India around 14 January (a Wednesday in 2026). It marks the sun's journey into Capricorn and the start of longer days — famous for kite-flying and sesame sweets. Here's the history.
See the Makar Sankranti holiday page or India's holiday calendar.
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar means Capricorn and Sankranti means transit — so Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transit into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It signals the end of the winter solstice period and the start of longer, warmer days (uttarayana), and is celebrated as a harvest festival of thanksgiving.
Why it falls around January 14
Because Makar Sankranti is based on the sun's position (a solar event), not the moon, it falls on nearly the same date every year — around 14 January (occasionally the 15th). This makes it unusual among Hindu festivals, most of which shift with the lunar calendar.
Many names, one festival
Makar Sankranti is celebrated under different names and styles across India and beyond:
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu (see Pongal history)
- Lohri (the night before) in Punjab
- Uttarayan in Gujarat — famous for its massive kite festival
- Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi in Punjab/Haryana
Traditions
- Kite-flying — especially spectacular in Gujarat.
- Til-gul — sweets made of sesame (til) and jaggery (gul), shared with the saying "eat sweet, speak sweet."
- Holy dips in sacred rivers like the Ganges.
- Bonfires, harvest feasts, and community gatherings.
Quick answers
What is Makar Sankranti? A Hindu harvest festival marking the sun's transit into Capricorn, celebrated with kites, sesame sweets, and holy dips.
Why is Makar Sankranti always around January 14? It's a solar festival based on the sun's position, so unlike most Hindu festivals it doesn't shift much year to year.
What is til-gul? Sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, shared during the festival with wishes of goodwill.
When is Makar Sankranti 2026? Around Wednesday, 14 January 2026 — see the holiday page.