Makar Sankranti
The solar festival marking the sun's passage into Capricorn, a harvest celebration.
Makar Sankranti is a solar festival marking the sun's entry into sidereal Capricorn (Makara). It usually falls on January 14, and on January 15 in some years depending on the exact time of the transit.
When Is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is a solar festival marking the sun's entry into sidereal Capricorn (Makara). It usually falls on January 14, and on January 15 in some years depending on the exact time of the transit.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Makar Sankranti traditionally marks the sun's northward journey (Uttarayan) and its entry into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). It is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar. It celebrates the harvest season and the end of winter.
How It Is Observed
Kite flying (especially in Gujarat), ritual bathing in sacred rivers, sesame-jaggery sweets (sesame = warmth and bonding), bonfires, donating to the poor, worship of the Sun god.
Sacred Text
“Those who know the Supreme Brahman attain that Supreme by passing away from the world during the influence of the fiery god, in the light, at an auspicious moment of the day, during the fortnight of the waxing moon, or during the six months when the sun travels in the north.”
, Bhagavad Gita 8:24 ↗