Makar Sankranthi: Festival of Brightness that provides divine blessings
Have you ever thought, why no major auspicious work is performed in few weeks leading to Sankranthi? That period is known as Khar Maas—a time considered inauspicious for conducting weddings, housewarmings, or sacred poojas. It is believed that during this phase, the Sun’s transition is unstable, and energies are not aligned for new ventures. With the arrival of Makar Sankranthi Khar maas, comes to an end, and all the auspicious work is resumed.
During this time the Sun (Surya Dev) enter Makar Raashi (Capricorn) resembling new beginning.
Makar Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranthu or Uttarayan, also signifies the end of cold winters and beginning of warn summers. Across India, devotees celebrate this sacred day through prayers, charity, and thanksgiving to nature, honouring the life-giving power of the Sun.
When is Makar Sankranthi in 2026? Day, Date and Timing
In 2026 Makar Sankranthi, will be observed on January 14 Wednesday Makar Sankranthi dates do not change, as it is set by the Hindu Solar calendar, it is the transition of the sun from Dhanu Raashi to Makar Raashi.
What is the Spiritual Significance b
Of Makar Sankranthi?
Makar Sankranthi marks, the Sun’s Northward journey, as the sun enters the Makar Raashi, it is an auspicious time for doing auspicious deed and sacred beginnings. Surya Dev is worshipped on this day, as Sun is the life-giving force, taking holy dip in sacred rivers, giving Arghya to Surya Dev and doing pooja has great importance, as these deeds acts as a blessing for health, prosperity and abundance.
On this day, Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata attained liberation (moksha), signifying spiritual victory over the material world.
Traditions and Regional Celebrations
Across India Makar Sankranthi is celebrated in various diversities:
. In Maharashtra, people exchange til-gur laddoos with the phrase “Tilgul ghya, god god bola.”
. In Gujarat, the skies come alive with kites during Uttarayan.
. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal, offering gratitude to Surya Dev and Mother Earth.
. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Pedda Panduga or Makar Sankranthi is observed with great enthusiasm. People decorate their homes with muggulu (rangoli), light bonfires (Bogi), and enjoy festive dishes like Ariselu and Pongali. The celebration also honours cattle and symbolizes prosperity after harvest.
. In Kerala, the festival is observed as part of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Makara Jyothi — devotees gather to witness the divine light appearing on the horizon, marking one of the most sacred events in the state.
. In Punjab and Haryana, it coincides with Lohri, celebrated with bonfires, folk songs, and dancing to mark the harvest of sugarcane.
. In Assam, Magh Bihu brings the community together with feasts, traditional games, and bonfires that celebrate abundance and togetherness.
Despite the regional differences, the essence of Makar Sankranti remains one of gratitude, purity, and light — celebrating the divine transition of the Sun and the renewal of life’s energy.
How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranthi is a time of resuming auspicious deeds and thanking the most integral part of nature, Sun which sustains life, so on this day one should wake up early, take bath and give arghya to Surya, light a diya in front of Tulsi and Temple and prepare til-gur for family and friends, one should also be involved in selfless charity.
This festival is considered auspicious for inviting peace and blessing at home, you can perform these poojas at home with the help of a qualified Pandit:
1. Surya Narayana Pooja
Performed to honour Surya and seek blessings for good health, vitality, and success. It includes Aditya Hridaya Stotra chanting, Arghya offering, and Navagraha Shanti.
2. Lakshmi Narasimha Havan
A powerful fire ritual that purifies the environment, removes negativity, and invites divine protection and abundance.
3. Rudraabhishek
A sacred Shiva ritual performed with Panchamrit and Vedic mantras to cleanse negative energies, remove obstacles, and invoke Shiva’s blessings for peace and spiritual upliftment.
4. Shani Shanti Graha Pooja
Since Shani Dev is the ruling deity of Capricorn (Makar Rashi), this pooja is highly beneficial on Makar Sankranti. It helps reduce malefic planetary effects and invites stability, patience, and progress.
To make this sacred day even more meaningful, you can invite an experienced pandit from BookMyPooja to perform traditional rituals at home. These poojas align your home and spirit with the divine solar energy of Makar Sankranti, bringing peace, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead.The link for the website is https://bookmypoojaonline.com/ or contact us at 9869929292.
Makar Sankranti is more than a festival, it is a tradition that teaches us to express, gratitude to nature not only a festival of harvest, in south, north east and Punjab but also, the festival of speaking sweetly and festival of colours in sky.
Makar Sankranthi Festival of Brightness that provides divine blessings
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