Makar Sankranti 2026 Places to Visit: Makar Sankranti is not celebrated in the same way across India. Every region observes this festival with its own name, traditions, and style of celebration.
Makar Sankranti 2026 Places to Visit:
As soon as the Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayan), the festive season in India begins, starting with the sacred festival of Makar Sankranti, which will be celebrated on January 14 or 15, 2026. While the festival is observed across the country, it is known by different names and celebrated in diverse ways.
Makar Sankranti symbolizes the transition from darkness to light and from cold to renewed energy. On this day, the Sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara), marking the shift from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan, which is considered highly auspicious in Indian tradition.
The joy of a new harvest in the fields, the sweetness of sesame and jaggery in homes, and colorful kites filling the sky—Makar Sankranti brings happiness in every form.
However, the festival is not celebrated uniformly across India. Each region embraces it with its own colors, names, and customs. Let us explore the places where the celebrations are especially spectacular.
Gujarat
(Photo: iStock)
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is not just a festival but a grand public celebration. Cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara host the International Kite Festival. People fly kites from rooftops, shouting “Kai Po Che.” Traditional dishes like undhiyu, jalebi, and chikki define the celebration. At night, illuminated tukkal (lantern kites) make the sky look magical.
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
In Prayagraj, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a holy dip at the Sangam. In Uttar Pradesh, the festival is synonymous with sacred bathing. Millions of devotees take a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Charity, donations of food, clothes, sesame seeds, and khichdi hold special significance. The day symbolizes spiritual purification.
Tamil Nadu
(Photo: Amar Ujala)
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival comprising Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal. Sweet Pongal made from the new harvest, worship of cows and bulls, and colorful rangoli designs at home entrances reflect gratitude toward farmers and nature.
Rajasthan
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
In Rajasthan, the festival is a blend of kite flying and folk culture. Jaipur and other cities host kite-flying competitions, folk songs, and traditional cuisine. Women dress in traditional attire and offer prayers to the Sun God, making the celebrations vibrant and culturally rich.