Makar Sankranti 2026 Celebration

Why We Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2026: Rituals, Meaning and History

Dec 04, 2024Cycle Care

Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India, it is the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), which means the end of winter and the beginning of longer (and warmer) days. In 2026, Makar Sankranti was celebrated on Wednesday, January 14. This important harvest festival has a different origin in Indian traditions. Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival but also a festival of gratitude, happiness, and the first signs of warm days. 

In this article you will learn about the traditions, rituals, and meaning of Makar Sankranti and how you can celebrate at home.

Why Do We Celebrate Makar Sankranti?

The word Sankranti means ‘movement,’ and in this context, it refers to the movement of the sun. According to Indian astrology, Makar Sankranti, which means the transition from the southern to the northern hemisphere (Uttarayan), is very positive.

Various states celebrate this harvest festival with different names and with different rituals, such as

  • Magh Bihu in Assam

  • Lohri in Punjab

  • Uttarayan in Gujarat

  • Pongal in Tamil Nadu

Families gather during this time to pray to Surya, the sun god, and share traditional sweets made with jaggery (gur) and sesame (til) as a sign of unity.

Rituals and Traditions You Should Know

Each region varies when it comes to how people celebrate Makar Sankranti, but there are some common things known throughout the country:

Haldi-Kumkum ceremony

This is an act especially practiced in Maharashtra, where married women put Haldi and Kumkum on each other's foreheads as a sign of welcoming each other for social gatherings.  They also share Makar Sankranti haldi kumkum gift items as a sign of goodwill and encouraging prosperity.

Flying Kites

In the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, every shape and size of colorful kite flies in the sky. Flying a kite is a symbol of acceptance that you can try and push yourself much higher in life, releasing negative energy and receiving more positive acceptance energy.

Sharing Sweets

The phrase “Tilgul ghya, god god bola" (take the sweet sesame-jaggery and speak sweetly) indicates the emotion of the festival. Sweets are shared (with neighbors and family) to strengthen relationships.

How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti at Home?

Here are some fun ways to celebrate Makar Sankranti at home:

Decorate Your Door with Rangoli

Use warm colors and traditional designs based on kites, suns, and flowers to bring in positive energy. 

Cook Traditional Foods

Make til laddoos, puran poli, pongal rice, or chikki, or whatever is your home tradition. 

Small Puja

Early in the morning, do a puja to Surya Dev and offer prasad of sesame (til) and jaggery (gud). 

Haldi-Kumkum Function

Invite your friends and neighbors for a function, and exchange a few Makar Sankranti gift items with them, like handmade soaps, scented candles, kumkum boxes, turmeric wellness consumable products, etc. 

Eco-Friendly Kite Flying

Enjoy responsibly with biodegradable kites, and maintain an awareness of safety for birds.

Makar Sankranti Gift Ideas to Share the Joy

Exchanging gifts during Makar Sankranti is a lovely way to spread happiness. Here are some of the best gifts for Makar Sankranti if you're planning or going to a Haldi-Kumkum event and are looking for return gifts or well-wishes:

Traditional Goodie Hampers

Combine tilgul with jaggery sweets, sugarcane pieces, and turmeric-based items. 

Eco-Friendly Decor or Diyas

These make great gifts, representing the festive spirit, and they're eco-friendly. 

Ayurvedic wellness products

These are great gifts for anyone, especially for elders or friends who enjoy self-care. 

Hand-crafted Haldi Kumkum Set

These are always favorite gifts for all women's gatherings. 

Cycle Pure Agarbathies Gift Packs

Fragrance has a natural ability to bring peace and positivity, which is why agarbathies are a simple, spiritual gift for every home.

These gift items for Makar Sankranti have cultural value and spread smiles without being expensive.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti is a celebration of light, renewal, and gratitude. It reminds us to value the present moment of our lives, connect with people we love, and continue our traditions with pride. If you're eating sweets, flying kites, or planning on your Makar Sankranti haldi kumkum gift ideas. The joy of Makar Sankranti is in the moments we enjoy and the memories we create.

At Cycle.in, we believe that every festival should be celebrated with purity, love, and simple acts. This Sankranti, may the sun shine brightly on your path toward happiness and success.

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