Makar Sankranti, also known as Sankranti or Makar Sankrant, is one of the highly auspicious days in a Hindu calendar and the day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (Sun God). Makar Sankranti 2026 date is January 14. Punyakaal or time for puja and to take holy bath is from  PM on January 14, 2026. Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun enters into the zodiac Capricorn or Makara. It is also known as Uttarayana Punyakalam and heralds the arrival of spring season. In Western India Punya Kaal time is from PM on January 14. What is Makar Sankranti? Makar Sankranti is an auspicious day based on the movement of the Sun (Surya). ‘Makar’ or ‘Makara’ refers to ‘Makara  rashi’ – the zodiac corresponding to Capricorn.  ‘Sankranti’ in Sanskrit means ‘to cross into’ or the day when sun enters from one zodiac sign to another.  So Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun enters into the zodiac Capricorn. It is also known as  Uttarayana Punyakalam o...

During Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the appearance of Haridas and Gangireddu (Bull) with Basavanna becomes a common sight. Haridas, a revered figure, embarks on a tradition of visiting houses, singing songs, and seeking alms. Adorned in vibrant attire, Haridas is a captivating sight with bangles on his hands, anklets on his feet, and a silk dhoti elegantly draped around him. A silk scarf is tied around his waist, complemented by a flower necklace adorning his neck, and a neat tilak gracing his forehead. Accompanying Haridas are the adorned Bulls, meticulously decorated with colorful clothes, ornaments, and vibrant colors. These Bulls are not just mere animals but are trained to perform various actions under the guidance of their master. From bowing down to saying Namaskaram, nodding their heads to indicate yes or no, and even a bit of dancing, they exhibit a display of trained behavior. As Haridas and his entourage visit homes, people eagerly offer alms in the form of o...

The centuries-old ‘Paruveta Utsavam’ (mock hunting festival) is a significant event observed at the Ahobilam Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Andhra Pradesh. Celebrated during ‘Kanuma’ (a day after Makar Sankranti), this festival involves the deity from the shrine spending 40 days in the 32 tribal hamlets around Ahobilam. Paruveta Utsavam 2026 at Ahobilam Temple begins on January 15. Historical and Cultural Context Temple and Deity : The festival is celebrated at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in the town of Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Origins : According to folklore, Lord Vishnu, in his Narasimha avatar, married Maha Lakshmi, who was born as a tribal girl named Chenchu Lakshmi. The Kurnool District Gazetteers (1881) document several beliefs of the Chenchu tribes, including their reverence for Ahobila Narasimha as their brother-in-law, whom they invite home for Makara Sankranti. Modern-Day Relevance Communal Harmony : The ...

The Galtaji Temple, situated in the vibrant city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, holds a special significance, particularly during the Makar Sankranti. This historic temple is renowned for its natural springs, and the spirituality associated with it draws devotees and visitors alike. Jaipur Galtaji Temple Makar Sankranti festival 2026 date is January 14. The temple complex features seven sacred tanks, with the Galta Kund holding a special place as the holiest among them. One intriguing aspect of these tanks is that the Galta Kund never goes dry, symbolizing the enduring sacredness of the site. A sun temple here makes the occasion even more auspicious. Devotees worship the sun god, Surya Bhagavan, and then take holy dip in the pond. Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrated in various parts of India, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. In Jaipur, this festival takes on a special charm at Galtaji Temple. Pilgrims from far and wide gather to partake in the religiou...

Bhogi and Lohri are festivals celebrated in various parts of India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. It is usually held on January 13 and January 14. The bonfires during Bhogi and Lohri hold significant symbolism, reflecting cultural and agricultural traditions. Let's delve deeper into the symbolism and meaning behind these bonfires: End of Winter: Bhogi and Lohri is typically observed a day before the main festival of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. Both festivals fall around the same time as the winter solstice, marking the end of the winter season. The bonfires are lit to bid farewell to the cold days and welcome the longer, warmer days of spring. Symbol of Light and Heat: The bonfires symbolize the return of the sun's warmth and light after the cold winter months. In a metaphorical sense, the sun is celebrated as a powerful source of energy and life. This symbolism underscores ...

Lohri is a popular winter folk festival celebrated primarily in the northern regions of India, especially in the state of Punjab, Haryana, parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It marks the end of the winter season and the arrival of longer days. Lohri is usually celebrated on the 13th of January each year. One traditional story associated with Lohri revolves around a person named Dulla Bhatti, who lived during the reign of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. Dulla Bhatti was a hero among the Punjabi people, known for his courage and generosity. According to the legend, Dulla Bhatti was a Robin Hood-like figure who rescued girls from being forcibly taken away and sold as slaves. Lohri is associated with several historical stories, but the main folklore connected to it is that of Dulla Bhatti, a courageous warrior during the Mughal era who stood against the increasing atrocities of the Mughals. It is said that a Mughal commander wanted to forcibly marry two Brahmin ...

Ganga Sagar Mela held annually during Makar Sankranti on Sagar Island , the spot where the holy River Ganga merges into the Bay of Bengal , attracts thousands of Hindus from around the world. There is a reason why we Hindus perform tarpan and other rituals in Ganga here and visit the Kapilamuni Ashram and temple on its banks. The story found in the Puranas associated with Gangasagar Mela is related to the arrival of Ganga from heaven to earth. Legend has it that the ancestors of King Bhagirat had performed intense Tapas to bring Ganga down to earth to wash away the sins of his ancestors and help them attain Moksha. The ancestors of King Bhagirat had to face the anger of sage Kapila for intruding into his area and accusing him of stealing the horse that they were following. An angry Sage Kapila opened his eyes and they were turned into ashes by his curse at the spot where the present Kapilamuni Ashram is located. King Bhagirat performed the austerities for ...

Salutations and adorations to the Supreme Lord, the primordial power that divided the year into the four seasons. Salutations to Surya, the Sun God, who on this great day of Makar Sankranti embarks on his northward journey (Uttarayana). The sun, symbolizing wisdom, divine knowledge and spiritual light, which receded from you when you reveled in the darkness of ignorance, delusion and sensuality, now joyously turns on its northward course and moves towards you to shed its light and warmth in greater abundance, and to infuse into you more life and energy. The sun signifies knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signifies that we should turn away from the darkness of delusion in which we live, and begin to joyously let the light within us shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom, and knowledge, even as the sun does from this day. Swami Sivananda Seekers of Truth, aspirants on the path of Yoga, devotees of God, lo...

The Makar Sankranti festival that is observed on January 14, 2026 in India is famous for a unique ritual in Uttarakhand. Makar Sankranti is known as Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, here and it welcomes birds back from the winter migration. In fact Ghughuti itself is the name of a bird exclusive to Uttarakhand. Uttarayani, which marks the beginning of the northward journey of sun or Surya, is noted for the return of migratory birds to the hills of Uttarakhand. Makar Sankranti is also known as Kale Kauva means ‘black crow.’ People make Deep-fried sweets from sweetened flour (flour and gur) and shape them like drums, pomegranates, knives, swords and are strung into a necklace. On the morning of Ghughutia, or Kale Kauva, children wear the deep fried sweets as necklaces and sing a folk song associated with Kale Kauva to attract black crows and other birds and offer them pieces of the deep fried sweets. This is to welcome the birds back from their migration.

Parashuram Kund or lake is located near Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh and thousands of people perform holy bath here during Makar Sankranti . In 2026, Makar Sankranti Snan is on the morning of January 14. As per Kalika Purana, Parashuram , the six avatar of Hindu God Vishnu, washed away the sin of killing of his mother ( Goddess Renuka ) by bathing in the waters of this lake also known as Brahma kund. Devotees after taking holy dip also visit the remains of an ancient temple at Malinithan on the day. The temple is dedicated to Shiva. Malinithan is located near Likabali on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra . Over a hundred carved images including that of Surya, Goddess Parvati and a huge Nandi bull are the main attraction in the temple. Parasuram Kund is on River Lohit and is around 15 km northeast of Tezu the headquarters of Lohit District. 

The Sankranti festival in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is spread over four days. Sankranthi, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a harvest festival dedicated to Lord Surya and is an important festival in Telugu culture. The festival which begins with Bhogi culminates on the fourth day with Mukkanuma. In 2026, the date of Mukkanuma is January 16. Mukkanuma is observed on the day after Kanuma festival and is dedicated to feasting and merry making. No major rituals or pujas are held on the day. It is fun filled and is the last day of Sankranti celebrations. Today, the day is also skipped by many people. In some regions, people visit distant relatives and friends on the day.

Kanuma, also known as Pasuvula Panduga, is observed on the third day of the Sankranthi festival in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the people of Gokulam on this day. In 2026 Kanuma is on January 15. It is of great importance to the Telugu community and is observed in the Telugu month of Pushya. Mukkanuma is observed the day after Kanuma and is primarily a day of feasting and merry making. Kanuma festival is quite similar to the Mattu Pongal observed in Tamil Nadu. The festival is dedicated to cows, bulls and other animals that are part of agrarian economy. Cattle and cattle sheds are cleaned on the day. Cows are decorated with marigold flowers and are worshipped. Sun (Surya), Mahabali (the king who sacrificed everything to Vamana incarnation of Vishnu) and Godadevi are also worshipped during the festival. In Hindu mythology, Kanuma is the day when Lord Krishna performed the miracle of lifting the...

The popular Makar Sankranti festival in India is known as Khichdi Parv in Uttar Pradesh and several parts of North India. Sankranti is also known as Khichdi. In 2026, the date of Khichdi Parv is January 14. The bathing and other rituals are observed from the morning of January 14. Puja and time to make offerings is morning during sunrise on January 14. People prepare special dish known as Khichdi and offer it to Surya – Sun God. Giving alms and making donations to poor on the day is highly meritorious. The most important ritual on this day is taking bath at Sangam in Prayag (Allahabad). The day is an important bathing day during Magh Snan. Millions of Hindus take a holy dip in the icy waters of Sangam at Prayagraj where the rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati flow together. Taking holy dip on this day is believed to help in attaining Moksha. Another highlight of the festival is the sharing of laddus made of Gur and Til (Sesame seeds)....

Makar Sankranti is associated with Surya (Sun God), so the best way to start the day is by reciting the Gayatri Mantra. Here is a look at what to do on Makar Sankranti. It is believed that Lord Surya visits his son Lord Shani on this day, irrespective of their difference in opinions. Therefore many people make it a point to visit their sons and buy them gifts. It is also a day to forgive past quarrels and start afresh. Simple food is the order of the day and many people prepare ‘khichdi’ on this day. Sweets and dishes made out of Sesame oil (Til) are served on this day. Sweets made out of Til is exchanged as mark of friendship. The symbolic meaning is to emulate the quality of Tilgul – to stick together even in adversity. Rice meal is the order of the day in Bihar , Jharkhand and is some parts of Uttar Pradesh. Throughout India Makar Sankranti is in a way associated with harvest. So people pray for a good harvest on this day. Cows - which is an integral part of agricult...

Sankranthi, or Makar Sankranti, is a harvest festival in Karnataka as is the case in other parts of India . In 2026, the date of Sankranti (Ellu Bella) in Karnataka is January 14. Bhogi (January 13, 2026) is the first day of the festival. Yellu or Ella means til (Sesame seeds) and ‘Bella’ is Jaggery. A mixture of Til (sesame seeds), Sharkara (jaggery), dry coconut and groundnuts is given to friends, neighbors and relatives on the day. There is a popular saying of Ellu Bella in Kannada – ellu bella tindu, ollolle matadi! (Eat Til seeds, Jaggery and speak good words). Importance of Makar Sankranti in Karnataka Sankranti is celebrated when sun transcends from Sagittarius to Capricorn during the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. Sankranthi means ‘change of direction’ and is based on solar event and it also marks the arrival of Spring Season. In Kannada culture, Sankranthi is synonymous with ellu (sesame-jaggery mix), sugar candies and sugarcane. Uttarayana , the da...

Uttarayan is the northern transit of Sun or Lord Surya and sun enters the Makar Rashi or Capricorn. Uttarayan 2026 date is on January 14 in Gujarati calendars. The day is popularly known as Makar Sankranti or Sankranti. In South India , the northern transit of Sun is known as Uttarayana Punyakalam – a period of six months – and is believed to be the day time of the Devas. The term Uttarayan is popularly used in Gujarat and Maharashtra . The transition of the sun, or Surya Sankranti, into Makar or Capricorn, is considered highly auspicious and meritorious. According to Saint Jaimini, 12 hours and 46 minutes pre-and-post Sankranti are considered sacred. During this period making donations and helping poor is believed to bring merit to the donor. Symbolically, the northern path is considered to be the path of Moksha. On Uttarayan, millions of people take a holy dip at the sacred rivers especially in Ganga and Yamuna – especially at Prayag or Sangam or Allahabad . T...

Black is given special importance during Makar Sankranti. Black color Sesame – Til or Ellu – is distributed among friends and relatives. Delicacies made of Til are also eaten on the day. The main reason why black color and Til is used because it is widely believed that Sesame contains prosperities that keeps the body healthy and warm during Sankranti period. Another reason is that Makara Sankramana swaroopa or the personified deity associated with Makar is black in color. In many regions in Maharashtra people wear black colored dress on Makar Sankranti day. Black is worn on the day to keep the body warm as Sankranti falls during the winter season. Til and delicacies made from it are distributed in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat during the period.  A lot of importance is given to til (sesame seeds) due its property of keeping body warm. Sesame seeds (Til) are used to combat the cold in winter, as sesame contains oil which is healthy. This once again ...

Bhogi Pongal, Bogi festival, is the first day of Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. Bhogi Pongal 2026 date is January 13. The day is popularly meant for cleaning – all things that are bad and of no use are burned on the day. Earlier only agricultural waste used to burned on the day. In Tamil Nadu, Bhogi festival is observed on the last day of Margazhi Month. The next day is the Pongal festival or the Thai Pongal. Thus Bhogi is also seen as a preparation day for the Thai Pongal festival. Bhogi and Indra Vizha Bhogi is dedicated to Lord Indra, the Vedic God of thunder and rain. Scholars and historians are of the opinion that Bhogi Pongal is the Indra Vizha festival observed during the ancient Chola period. What is done on Bhogi? Bhogi Pongal is a sort of preparation day for Pongal. The next day is the most important Pongal day which is referred as Thai Pongal or Perum Pongal. On the Bhogi Pongal day people, decorate their homes and buy new vessels and other utensi...

Makar Sankranti marks the commencement of the Sun's (Surya) journey to the Northern Hemisphere (Makara rasi). In 2026, date of Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra is January 14. It signifies the onset of Uttarayan or Uttarayana Punyakalam and is a major celebration all over India . In Marathi culture, on Makar Sankranti day people exchange grains of multicolored sugar balls and fried til (sesame) mixed with molasses (til gul). Bhogi - the day before Makar Sankranti - famous for B hogichi bhaji The day before Makar Sankranti is known as Bhogi in Maharashtra and is famous for a dish known as Bhogichi bhaji. Bhogi is dedicated Indra, the god of clouds and rain. He is worshipped for a good harvest and prosperity. This dish celebrates the seasonal bounty of winter vegetables along with groundnuts and sesame seeds which provide the much needed warmth and nourishment to the body during winters.   B hogichi bhaji is packed with all essential nutrients and vitamin...

A particular Makar Sankranti mantra is chanted to solve many problems in life. The prayer is dedicated to Surya Bhagavan – the sun god in Hinduism. The Makar Sankranti mantra and prayer is given below: Makar Sankranti Mantra ॐ घृणि : सूर्याय नम : Om ghrini Suryaya Namah The mantra should be chanted 108 times using a chandan mala. Makar Sankranti Prayer Aditya Hridaya mantra should be chanted on the day early morning. How to chant Makar Sankranti Mantra and Prayer? The mantra and prayer should be chanted in the early morning along with sunrise. The person chanting the mantra should wear orange color clothes. It is better to chant the mantra by looking at the rising sun. Take a kalash fill it with water and put in some orange or red color flowers. This should be poured down looking at the rising sun. Sugarcane or sugar should be offered as Prasad or bhog.