Makar Sankranti | Sankranti | Sankranti 2026

Makar Sankranti|Sankranti|Sankranti 2026:

Makar Sankranti|Sankranti|Sankranti 2026:

It’s a wonderful time of year, marking a period of transition, gratitude, and—of course—delicious food.

It is Celebrated on 14th January every year i.e annually (15 January on a leap year), this occasion marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac Sign of Sagittarius to Capricorn.

​What is Sankranti?

​Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Sankranti is based on the solar cycle. It marks the day the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and begins its northward journey (Uttarayan).

​Geographically and culturally, it signifies:

​The End of Winter: The days start becoming longer and warmer.

​The Harvest Season: Farmers celebrate the fruit of their hard work and pray for a good yield in the coming cycle.

​How It Is Celebrated

​While the spirit of the festival is universal, the customs vary beautifully across different regions of India:

​1. The Sky Full of Kites

​In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, the festival is known as Uttarayan. The sky becomes a vibrant canvas of thousands of kites. Families gather on rooftops, engage in friendly kite-fighting competitions, and enjoy music all day long.

​2. Traditional Foods (Til-Gul)

​A common theme across India is the use of sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gul).

​In Maharashtra, people exchange sweets saying, "Til-gul ghya, goad goad bola" (Eat this til-gul and speak sweet words).

​These ingredients are chosen because they provide warmth and nutrition during the transition from winter.

​3. Regional Names and Rituals

​Pongal (Tamil Nadu): A four-day festival where a special dish of rice and milk (also called Pongal) is boiled in a pot until it overflows, symbolizing abundance.

​Lohri (Punjab): Celebrated the night before Sankranti with massive bonfires, dancing (Bhangra/Gidda), and offering peanuts and popcorn to the fire.

​Bhogali Bihu (Assam): Marked by community feasts in temporary leaf huts called Mejis.

​Holy Dips: Many devotees take a ritual dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges or the Godavari to wash away past sins and start the new season with a pure mind.

​The Spirit of the Festival:

​At its heart, Sankranti is about harmony. It’s a time to let go of old grievances, celebrate the bond between humans and nature, and welcome the "light" (knowledge a

nd prosperity) back into our lives.

​Fun Fact: Because it is a solar event, Makar Sankranti almost always falls on January 14th or 15th every year!

Since tomorrow is January 14th, the timing is perfect! Here are a few traditional recipes to get you into the festive spirit, followed by some heartfelt messages you can share with your loved ones.

​Traditional Sankranti Recipes:

​1. Til-Gul Ladoo (Sesame & Jaggery Balls)
​The quintessential Sankranti sweet that symbolizes bonding.

​Ingredients: 1 cup sesame seeds (til), 1 cup grated jaggery, 1 tsp ghee, a pinch of cardamom powder.

​Method: 1. Dry roast the sesame seeds until they turn golden and aromatic.
2. In a pan, melt the jaggery with ghee until it starts bubbling (soft-ball consistency).
3. Quickly stir in the roasted seeds and cardamom.
4. While the mixture is still warm, grease your palms and roll them into small, round balls.
​2. Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal)
​A creamy, comforting rice dish from South India.
​Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1/4 cup moong dal, 1 cup jaggery, 2 cups milk, ghee, cashews, and raisins.
​Method: 1. Pressure cook the rice and dal with milk and water until very soft.
2. Melt jaggery in a separate pan with a little water to make a syrup, then strain it into the cooked rice.
3. Simmer together for 5 minutes.
4. Garnish with cashews and raisins fried in plenty of ghee.

Festive Greeting Messages:
​Depending on who you are messaging, here are three options:
​For Friends & Family (Warm & Traditional)

• "Wishing you and your family a very Happy Makar Sankranti! May the rising sun of this festival fill your life with bright colors of joy, prosperity, and success. Til-gul ghya, goad goad bola!"
• May the harvest festival bring you abundance and peace. Wishing you a wonderful Makar Sankranti/Pongal/Lohri filled with happiness and sweet moments!"
• Fun & Lively (For the Kite Flyers)​"Higher than the kites in the sky, may your dreams and success soar this year! Sending you love and jaggery sweetness this Sankranti. Happy Uttarayan!"