Overview: what is Makar Sankranti?
In the Hindu calendar context, sankranti means a change/transition—especially the Sun’s movement between zodiac signs. Makar Sankranti is the sankranti when the Sun enters Makar Rashi (Capricorn). fileciteturn8file0
The original page notes that Sankranti is generally celebrated on Jan 14 every year (sometimes it can be Jan 15). fileciteturn8file0
Tip for your website: you can phrase it as “usually Jan 14 (occasionally Jan 15)” to keep it accurate across years.
Harvest gratitude, fresh seasonal foods, togetherness, and fun traditions like kite flying are core to Makar Sankranti celebrations. fileciteturn8file0
History and significance
The original page explains: Makara is the Capricorn zodiac sign, and Makar Sankranti happens when the Sun moves from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) into Makar Rashi (Capricorn), beginning a northward movement. fileciteturn8file0
It is considered an auspicious day—many believe sacred rituals or important tasks started on this day will be fruitful. fileciteturn8file0
The festival is tied to harvesting season and also to the end of the chilly winter season—celebrated to thank God for prosperity and a good harvest. fileciteturn8file0
The page mentions that in Nepal (Kirat community), the new year starts from Makar Sankranti day (called Yele Dhung). fileciteturn8file0
Makar Sankranti celebrates a solar transition, seasonal change, and harvest gratitude—so the traditions often blend prayer, food sharing, and outdoor fun. fileciteturn8file0
Different names of Makar Sankranti
One festival season—many names across regions and countries. (List preserved and cleaned up from the original page.) fileciteturn8file0
- Makar Sankranti (most of India)
- Uttarayan (Gujarat)
- Makara Sankrama (Karnataka)
- Kichdi (UP, Bihar, Uttarakhand)
- Maghi (Himachal, Haryana, Punjab)
- Bhogali Bihu (Assam)
- Pongal (Andhra Pradesh / Tamil Nadu)
- Pongal (Sri Lanka)
- Maghe Sankranti (Nepal)
- Songkran (Thailand)
- Thingyan (Myanmar)
- Moha Sangkran (Cambodia)
- Pi Ma Lao (Laos)
Use the local name in headings for region-specific pages (e.g., “Uttarayan in Gujarat”, “Pongal in Tamil Nadu”), and include “Makar Sankranti” as the common umbrella term. fileciteturn8file0
Food traditions: Til, Gud, Chikki and Gajjak
On Lohri and Makar Sankranti, many people enjoy til-gud, gajjak, revri, sesame & jaggery laddoos, and chikki. fileciteturn8file0
These sweets are often shared with the saying: “Til-gul ghya ani gud gud bola.” fileciteturn8file0
(Meaning: take til-gul and speak sweetly—start the season with kindness.)
The festival falls in winter—so til and gud are considered perfect seasonal foods for this time. fileciteturn8file0
Popular traditions
Kite flying is a well-known tradition, especially popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The original page notes that kite flying was often done in the morning when the sun is bright but not too harsh—so people also got beneficial exposure to early sun rays. fileciteturn8file0
Many households treat the day as auspicious for prayer, visiting temples, doing charity, and starting new activities with a positive mindset. fileciteturn8file0
- Start the morning with sunlight and a short prayer.
- Share til-gud sweets with neighbors/friends (say something sweet!).
- Fly kites / enjoy outdoor family time.
- End the day with a harvest-style meal and gratitude.
Wishes and messages
A small curated set from the original page, cleaned for readability. fileciteturn8file0
- Happy Makar Sankranti — may prosperity and joy fill your life. fileciteturn8file0
- May Makarsankranti bring new confidence, capability, and success. fileciteturn8file0
- Wish you and your family a very happy Makar Sankranti! fileciteturn8file0
A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid that the branch will break—because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings. Always believe in yourself. May Makarsankranti bring new perspective, capabilities, confidence, and success. fileciteturn8file0
Send cards & messages
Same CTAs used across the themed Sankranti pages. fileciteturn8file0