Hindu · 15 January 2027
Makar Sankranti · Pongal · Uttarayan
मकर संक्रांति · पोंगल · उत्तरायण
The Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Bihu.
Why it is celebrated
Makar Sankranti is the day the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn) in the sidereal zodiac. It is a solar festival, so its date barely moves — around 14–15 January.
The story behind it
Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward half-year, is called the “day of the gods”. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma, lying on a bed of arrows, waited for Uttarayan to leave his body. The Sun god is said to visit his son Shani, lord of Capricorn, today — a lesson in mending relationships. On this day Ganga is said to have reached the sea at Gangasagar, following King Bhagiratha.
How to celebrate
- Take a holy dip (Prayag, Gangasagar) and offer water to the Sun
- Eat and share til-gur laddoos and khichdi
- Fly kites (Gujarat, Rajasthan)
- Cook Pongal in a new pot (Tamil Nadu); give to the needy
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