Overview: what is Makar Sankranti?
In the Hindu calendar context, sankranti means a change/transition—especially the Sun’s movement between zodiac signs. Makar Sankranti is the sankranti when the Sun enters Makar Rashi (Capricorn). fileciteturn8file0
The original page notes that Sankranti is generally celebrated on Jan 14 every year (sometimes it can be Jan 15). fileciteturn8file0
Suggestion for your website: Consider wording it as "typically Jan 14 (sometimes Jan 15)" for consistency over time.
Celebrating Makar Sankranti revolves around embracing gratitude, enjoying fresh seasonal foods, coming together as a community, and partaking in fun traditions such as kite flying.
History and significance
The original page explains: Makara is the Capricorn zodiac sign, and Makar Sankranti happens when the Sun moves from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) into Makar Rashi (Capricorn), beginning a northward movement. fileciteturn8file0
It is believed to be a lucky day, as starting sacred rituals or important tasks on this day is thought to bring fruitful results.
The festival is connected to the season of harvest and marks the transition from winter to spring, a time to express gratitude to God for abundance and successful crops.
According to the page, in Nepal's Kirat community, the new year begins on Makar Sankranti day, also known as... Yele Dhung). fileciteturn8file0
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the sun, the change of seasons, and gratitude for the harvest, combining traditions of prayer, food sharing, and outdoor festivities.
Different names of Makar Sankranti
One festival season can go by many names in various regions and countries. (List cleaned up and preserved from the original source.)
- Pongal (Sri Lanka)
- Maghe Sankranti (Nepal)
- Songkran (Thailand)
- Thingyan (Myanmar)
- Moha Sangkran (Cambodia)
- Pi Ma Lao (Laos)
Utilize regional names in headings for specific pages (e.g., "Uttarayan in Gujarat", "Pongal in Tamil Nadu"), while also incorporating "Makar Sankranti" as the overarching term.
Food traditions: Til, Gud, Chikki and Gajjak
On Lohri and Makar Sankranti, many people enjoy til-gud, gajjak, revri, sesame & jaggery laddoos, and chikki. fileciteturn8file0
These sweets are often shared with the saying: “Til-gul ghya ani gud gud bola.” fileciteturn8file0
(Meaning: take til-gul and speak sweetly—start the season with kindness.)
The festival takes place during winter, making til and gud ideal seasonal foods for the occasion.
Popular traditions
Kite flying is a well-known tradition, especially popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The original page notes that kite flying was often done in the morning when the sun is bright but not too harsh—so people also got beneficial exposure to early sun rays. fileciteturn8file0
Numerous families view the day as a time for praying, visiting temples, giving to charity, and beginning new endeavors with optimism.
- Start the morning with sunlight and a short prayer.
- Share til-gud sweets with neighbors/friends (say something sweet!).
- Fly kites / enjoy outdoor family time.
- End the day with a harvest-style meal and gratitude.
Wishes and messages
A concise selection from the initial page, refined for clarity.
- Wishing you a joyful Makar Sankranti with abundance and happiness in your life.
- May Makarsankranti bring new confidence, capability, and success. fileciteturn8file0
- Wishing you and your family a joyous Makar Sankranti!
A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid that the branch will break—because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings. Always believe in yourself. May Makarsankranti bring new perspective, capabilities, confidence, and success. fileciteturn8file0
Send cards & messages
Same CTAs used across the themed Sankranti pages. fileciteturn8file0