Makar Sankranti 2027: Date, Significance and Traditions
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makar). Unlike most Hindu festivals, it follows the solar calendar and falls on 14 January every year (15 January occasionally). In 2027, Makar Sankranti is on 14 January. It is celebrated across India with kite flying, sesame sweets, and holy dips.
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About Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals that follows the solar calendar. "Makar" means Capricorn and "Sankranti" means transition. This day marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn and the beginning of Uttarayana โ the northward journey of the Sun. Days begin to get longer. It is a festival of harvest, light, and thanksgiving across most of India.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is unique among Hindu festivals โ it follows the solar calendar rather than the lunar calendar, which is why it falls on 14 January almost every year.
The festival marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makar Rashi) and the beginning of Uttarayana โ the sun's northward journey. This is considered an auspicious period when spiritual activities are especially fruitful.
In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha is described as waiting on his bed of arrows for Uttarayana to begin before departing this world, believing it to be the most auspicious time for liberation.
How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti
Holy dip (Snan)
Take a bath in the Ganga, Yamuna or any sacred river. In 2025, millions took dips at Prayagraj during Makar Sankranti.
Offer sesame and jaggery
Prepare til-gur (sesame-jaggery) sweets and ladoos. Exchange them with family and neighbours saying "Til gul ghya, god god bola" (Accept sesame-jaggery, speak sweet words).
Donate to the needy
Makar Sankranti is considered especially auspicious for dan (charity). Donate sesame, blankets and food to the poor.
Fly kites (Gujarat / North India)
Kite flying is a major tradition, especially in Gujarat where Uttarayan is celebrated with international kite festivals.
Light a bonfire (if Lohri region)
In Punjab and Haryana, Lohri bonfires are lit the night before Makar Sankranti.
Regional Traditions and Foods
Traditional Makar Sankranti Foods
- โขTil-Gur (sesame-jaggery sweets)
- โขTil Ladoo
- โขRevdi
- โขGajak
- โขKhichdi (Uttar Pradesh)
- โขPongal rice (Tamil Nadu)
- โขGhee and jaggery
Regional Names
- โขUttarayan โ Gujarat
- โขLohri โ Punjab (day before)
- โขPongal โ Tamil Nadu
- โขMagh Bihu โ Assam
- โขMakar Sankranti โ North India
- โขSakraat โ Rajasthan
- โขKhichdi โ Eastern UP & Bihar
โน๏ธ Traditions vary significantly by region. This is general guidance โ editorial content will be finalised before publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source Details
Date Source
Hindu Solar Calendar โ Sun's entry into Makar Rashi (Capricorn)
Last Reviewed
5 June 2026
Verification Status
Fixed solar date confirmed. Exact Punya Kaal timing pending DivineAPI verification.
Applicable Region
Pan-India (celebrated across all states with different names)
