Makar Sankranti for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Sunday, January 15th. There are until the next observance.
In certain years, Makar Sankranti falls on January 14 or January 15. Makar Sankranti, the first major holiday celebrated in India, is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals. Makar Sankranti, unlike other Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, follows the solar calendar and hence happens on the same day every year. This festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of harvest, and it is celebrated in nations other than India, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, to name a few.
📆 When is Makar Sankranti?
This year, Makar Sankranti is on January 15th. It is the 3rd Sunday in January; in 2024, it is on Monday.
→ Did you know: Makar means “Capricorn,” and Sankranti is the migration of the sun from one zodiac sign to another; in other words, this day symbolizes the sun’s shift from Capricorn to another zodiac sign.
You can also discover all exciting things you didn’t know about and facts about January 15, 2023.
📜 History of Makar Sankranti
According to one common tradition, this event began as a celebration of a demon’s defeat. According to legend, a particularly cruel demon named Sankarasur tortured and killed humanity for no apparent reason. Hearing this, a goddess named Sankranti descended to Earth and defeated him. Hindus have commemorated this holiday in her honor ever since.
On this day, they also worship the sun deity, Surya, because the sun has a lot to do with the changing seasons. The sun begins to move northwards on this day.
The celebrations themselves have several traditions and tales associated with them. One major ritual revolves around kite flying in the sun. Many think this ritual cleanses their bodies of diseases and viruses after a long winter.
On this day, traditional sweet foods are enjoyed in a ritual with a mythology tied to it. Surya, the Sun deity, apparently did not get along with his son, Shani. On this day, however, they resolve to let go of the past, and Surya pays a visit to Shani’s house, bringing sweets as a token of forgiveness. As a result, Hindus consume and share sweets with their loved ones.
Another tradition that this celebration is well-known for is the spiritual component. People think that holy waters, as well as a purifying dip in them, are necessary for Makar Sankranti celebrations. On mass pilgrimages, they visit sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna in India.
This season marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle in many regions of India, when crops have been planted and the hard labor in the fields is nearly over. As a result, Easter is a time for socializing for families to enjoy each other’s company.
☑️ Makar Sankranti facts
✅ A gateway to paradise
People who die on this day, according to legend, go immediately to heaven.
✅ Major pilgrimage on this day
The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest Hindu pilgrimage, begins on this day every 12 years.
✅ A new name for each region
Makara Sankranti (Maharashtra, India), Pongal (Tamil Nadu, India), Bhogali Bihu and Magh Bihu (Assam, India), Songkran (Thailand), and Maghe Sankranti (India) are the names given to this holiday by each state and country (Nepal).
✨ Things to do on Makar Sankranti
⚡ Eat a sweet
If you can find it, try an Indian sweet. Alternatively, check out recipes for classic Indian sweets such as “tilgul” and “pongal,” or just experiment with an Indian sweetener known as jaggery.
⚡ Fly a kite
Grab a kite, your children, and your family, and head out for a day in the sun. You may even organize a friendly kite-flying competition to see who can fly the tallest kite.
⚡ Have a fun time
Makar Sankranti is a festival of festivity. Harvest festival, life celebration, and religious deity celebrationsCelebrate life, friends, family, and good health in your own way. Gather your loved ones, dance, sing, and have a good time.
📅 Makar Sankranti Observances
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2023 | January 15 | Sunday |
| 2024 | January 15 | Monday |
| 2025 | January 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 15 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 15 | Friday |
You can view all January holidays, including Religious and other Hindu holidays.
We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Makar Sankranti. So be sure to check back soon.