Makar Sankranti

मकर संक्रांति

Hindu month: पौष

Panchang Basis (Tithi Rule)

This is a solar observance — its day is fixed by Surya's entry into a new rashi (Sankranti), which is why it falls on nearly the same Gregorian date every year, unlike tithi-based festivals.

About This Festival

The great solar festival marking Surya's northward turn (Uttarayan) — celebrated with holy- river snan, til-gud sweets, khichdi, daan to the needy, and kite-flying across North and West India.

सूर्य के उत्तरायण होने का महापर्व — पवित्र नदी स्नान, तिल-गुड़, खिचड़ी, दान और पतंगबाज़ी के साथ पूरे भारत में मनाया जाता है।

Significance

Marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the auspicious six-month half of the year when the Sun strengthens and new ventures, griha pravesh, and vivah muhurats resume in many traditions. Bathing at sangams and offering arghya to Surya on this day is believed to dissolve accumulated doshas, while til (sesame) daan is the classical remedy for Shani — Surya's son — making the day doubly remedial. Harvest gratitude gives the festival its second face: Pongal in the South, Magh Bihu in Assam, Lohri's fires the evening before in Punjab.

Regional Names

Frequently Asked Questions