Festival guide 2088
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transit into Capricorn (Makara) — the beginning of Uttarayana (northward journey). It is celebrated across India with different names: Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Lohri (Punjab), Bihu (Assam), Uttarayan (Gujarat).
When to read
Festival dates are loading.
Central timing
Punya Kaal
Festival length
Single-day observance
Festival story
Exact dates will appear once the calendar finishes loading.
Start with the story
Understand the observance before you open the schedule
We are still loading the exact observance window for this year.
Observed on
Loading date
Primary window
Punya Kaal
Festival length
Single-day observance
Festival Significance
Why this observance stays alive in memory
Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transit into Capricorn (Makara) — the beginning of Uttarayana (northward journey). It is celebrated across India with different names: Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Lohri (Punjab), Bihu (Assam), Uttarayan (Gujarat).
Ritual path
Rituals
Take holy dip in rivers at sunrise. Fly kites (especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan). Prepare til-gur (sesame-jaggery) laddoos. In South India, draw kolam/rangoli and cook Pongal rice dish.
How to approach it
Festival rhythm
Read the timing first, then the central ritual, then the local context to understand how the observance feels on the ground.
In Varanasi
Where the city adds its own colour
In Varanasi, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with massive gatherings at the ghats for the holy dip in the Ganga. Kite flying fills the skies above the city. Til-gur sweets are distributed at every ghat and temple.