Overview
Harvest festival marking Sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makara), end of winter. One of the oldest festivals, mentioned in Puranas & Mahabharata. Myth says deity Sankranti killed demon Sankarasur on this day. Also marks day Bhagiratha brought Ganga to earth, and Sun God visits his son Shani, symbolizing reconciliation. Start of Uttarayan – Sun’s 6-month northward journey, considered “daytime of gods” and very auspicious. End of winter, longer days. Harvest season begins. When: Almost always Jan 14, sometimes Jan 15. It’s a solar festival, not lunar. 2026: Jan 14.
Top Highlights
- Sesame & jaggery is eaten everywhere because it keeps body warm in winter. “Til gul ghya, god god bola”
- Skies fill with kites, especially in Gujarat & Rajasthan. International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad
- Only major Hindu festival fixed by Sun’s movement, so it’s always Jan 14/15.
- Same day = Pongal in TN, Magh Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, Uttarayan in Gujarat. Most pan-India names for one festival.
