Makar Sankranti: the Sun turns to Capricorn
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into the sidereal sign of Capricorn (Makara). It follows the solar calendar, so unlike most Hindu festivals it stays close to 14 or 15 January every year.
Why the date barely moves
Most festivals follow the Moon, but a sankranti is the moment the Sun crosses into a new sign. The festival is kept in that moment’s punya kaal; when the Sun enters Capricorn after sunset, it is observed the next day.
Tradition links Makar Sankranti with Uttarayana, the Sun’s northward journey. Astronomically that turn happens at the winter solstice around 21 December; over centuries the two have drifted apart, and the festival keeps the sidereal date.
One festival, many names
- Lohri In Punjab, bonfires on the eve of Sankranti, with rewri, peanuts and folk songs.
- Pongal In Tamil Nadu, the first day of Thai, with rice boiled over in a new pot; Bhogi comes before and Mattu Pongal after.
- Magh Bihu In Assam, a harvest feast after a night around the meji bonfire.
- Uttarayan and Khichdi Kites fill the skies in Gujarat; in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar it is Khichdi, with charity of rice and lentils.
How it is kept
Sesame and jaggery (til-gud) are shared with the words “tilgul ghya, goad goad bola” in Maharashtra: “take this sweet and speak sweetly”. A holy dip, at Prayagraj or at Gangasagar, and giving to those in need are central to the day.