Makar Sankranti Across India: Diverse Legends, One Festive Spirit

If you want to know more about the goddess Sankranti and other stories, read on.

Makar Sankranti Across India

Makar Sankranti, one of India’s most celebrated harvest festivals, heralds the Sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara in Sanskrit) and marks the end of the winter solstice. Traditionally observed on January 14th and occasionally on 15th, it signifies the onset of longer days, symbolizing new beginnings and the arrival of spring. In 2026, Makar Sankranti falls on Wednesday, 14 January. The Sankranti moment—when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar Rashi)—occurs at 3:13 PM IST, signalling the start of Uttarayana and the end of Kharmaas.

The Punya Kaal (auspicious period) lasts 2 hours 32 minutes, from 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM IST. Within it, the Maha Punya Kaal—considered the most spiritually rewarding window—runs from 3:13 PM to 4:58 PM IST (1 hour 45 minutes).

This festival holds immense cultural significance across India, known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Rajasthan, and Maghi in Punjab and Haryana.

Background and Origins

1. Astronomical Significance: The festival is tied to the solar calendar, marking the sun's northward journey in the sky (Uttarayan). This transition is significant in Hindu astronomy and is considered auspicious.

2. Agricultural Importance: In agrarian societies, Makar Sankranti corresponds with the end of the winter harvest and the beginning of a new harvest season. It's a time to thank the gods, particularly the sun god, Surya, for the bountiful harvest.

3. Historical and Religious Roots: The festival has ancient origins and is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. It's a day for religious observances and paying homage to the sun god. The day also marks the beginning of the holy phase of Kumbh Mela in certain years.

Stories Behind the Origin

There are several stories and legends associated with Makar Sankranti in Indian mythology and culture. These stories vary regionally and add to the rich tapestry of the festival's celebrations. Here are a few prominent ones:

1. The Legend of Bhishma Pitamah: In the epic Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah, a great warrior and patriarch of the Kauravas and Pandavas, had the boon to choose the time of his death. It is said that ‘Ganga Putra' Bhishma chose to leave his body on Makar Sankranti, lying on a bed of arrows. This story symbolizes the end of a dark period and the beginning of a prosperous and enlightening phase, much like the sun's northward journey signifying the end of winter.

2. Sankranti, the Deity: According to another legend, Sankranti was a powerful deity who killed a demon named Sankarasur. The day following Makar Sankranti is called Karidin or Kinkrant, and it is believed that on this day, the female deity, Devi slayed the demon Kinkarasur. These stories symbolize the victory of good over evil.

3. The Sun God and Capricorn: Makar Sankranti is also associated with the worship of the Sun God, Surya. It is believed that on this day, Surya visits his son Shani, who is the ruler of the Makar Rashi (Capricorn zodiac sign). This day symbolizes the strong relationship between father and son where despite their differences (Surya represents light and Shani represents darkness), the father visits his son. It underscores the theme of respecting and honoring relationships.

4. Lord Vishnu and the End of Negativity: Another belief is that on Makar Sankranti, Lord Vishnu ended the terror of the Asuras by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvata. This signifies the end of negativity and the beginning of an era of righteousness and spiritual enlightenment. This belief reinforces the idea of Makar Sankranti being a symbol of auspicious new beginnings.

5. The River Ganga and King Bhagirath: One of the most famous legends is related to the descent of the river Ganga to Earth. It is believed that on this day, the Ganges followed King Bhagirath and finally merged with the ocean, a confluence known as 'Gangasagar'. This event is celebrated with the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal, where devotees take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, symbolizing purification and liberation.

Celebrations Across India

Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great fervor across India, with regional variations in customs and rituals:

1. Punjab and Haryana: Known as Lohri in Punjab, it's celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, and dances. People gather around bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice, and popcorn into the flames, sing popular songs, and exchange greetings.

2. Gujarat and Rajasthan: Known for the Kite Festival, where the sky is dotted with colorful kites. People engage in kite flying competitions.

3. Tamil Nadu: Celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival where the first day is for boiling fresh milk early in the morning and letting it overflow, a ritual that symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

4. West Bengal: It coincides with the Gangasagar Mela, where pilgrims take a holy dip at the confluence of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal.

5. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: Known as Khichdi or Makar Sankranti, where people prepare and share the traditional dish 'khichdi'.

6. Assam: Celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, marked by feasts and bonfires.

7. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana: Known as Sankranti, it's a time for socializing and family reunions.

Celebrating Unity and Diversity: The Essence of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, in its essence, is a celebration that transcends mere cultural festivities to embody deeper spiritual and cosmic significances. Across different regions of India, the festival assumes various forms, each resonating with local traditions and beliefs. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the sky becomes a canvas of vibrant kites, symbolizing freedom and joy. The Pongal celebration in Tamil Nadu is a heartfelt tribute to the sun and nature, reflecting gratitude and hope. Similarly, Punjab's Lohri is a lively expression of communal harmony and warmth during the cold winters.

United Colours of India

Beyond the festive colors and joyous gatherings, Makar Sankranti stands as a testament to India's incredible cultural mosaic. It is a time when the diversity of beliefs, myths, and traditions converge, highlighting the underlying unity among them. The festival's widespread appeal across various social strata and regions illustrates the universal human values of gratitude, renewal, and respect for nature.

In its core, Makar Sankranti is a celebration of life's cyclical nature and the perpetual dance of the cosmos. It reminds us of the continual flow of time and seasons and our place within this grand cosmic design. As we participate in these age-old rituals and share stories passed down through generations, we not only keep our cultural heritage alive but also strengthen the bonds of community and humanity. In this way, Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival; it's a vibrant symbol of life, unity, and the eternal rhythm of the universe.