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
Suggestion for your website: Consider wording it as "typically Jan 14 (sometimes Jan 15)" for consistency over time.
Celebrating Makar Sankranti involves cherishing gratitude, enjoying fresh seasonal foods, coming together for togetherness, and partaking in fun traditions such as kite flying.
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
Many view it as a propitious day, with the belief that any sacred rituals or significant endeavors commenced on this day will yield favorable results.
The festival is linked to the harvest season and the arrival of spring, a time to express gratitude to God for abundance and successful crops.
According to the page, the Kirat community in Nepal celebrates their new year on Makar Sankranti day. Yele Dhung). fileciteturn8file0
Makar Sankranti marks the shift in the sun's position, the arrival of a new season, and the expression of gratitude for the harvest. As a result, the festivities typically combine rituals, feasting
Different names of Makar Sankranti
One festival season numerous names spanning regions and countries. (List maintained and refined from the original source.)
- Pongal (Sri Lanka)
- Maghe Sankranti (Nepal)
- Songkran (Thailand)
- Thingyan (Myanmar)
- Moha Sangkran (Cambodia)
- Pi Ma Lao (Laos)
Utilize the regional name for headings on specific pages (e.g., "Uttarayan in Gujarat", "Pongal in Tamil Nadu"), while also incorporating "Makar Sankranti" as the overarching term.
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.)
Since the festival takes place in winter, til and gud are deemed ideal seasonal foods for this time of year.
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
Numerous families consider the day to be lucky for prayers, temple visits, acts of charity, and embarking on new endeavors with a positive attitude.
- 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 compact selection from the initial page, polished for easier reading.
- Wishing you a joyous Makar Sankranti filled with prosperity and happiness.
- May Makarsankranti bring new confidence, capability, and success. fileciteturn8file0
- May you and your loved ones have a joyous Makar Sankranti celebration!
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