# Makar Sankranti (Maghe) 2026: Date and Rituals > Grand astronomical festival celebrating the Sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makara), marking the start of Uttarayana and harvest joy. Source: https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/makar-sankranti-maghe ## Significance & Spiritual Meaning Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues Significance & Spiritual Meaning Makar Sankranti marks the precise astronomical transition of the Sun (Surya) from Sagittarius into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara Rashi). It heralds the onset of Uttarayana—the six-month holy northward trajectory of the Sun where daylight lengthens, winter recedes, and agricultural abundance blossoms. Celebrated across India under diverse regional names—Makar Sankranti in the North and West, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Poush Sankranti in Bengal—it is observed with holy river dips (Snan), flying colorful kites, and consuming sweets made of sesame seeds (Til) and jaggery (Gur). Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues Makar Sankranti signifies cosmic renewal, agricultural thanksgiving, and celestial alignment: 1. Uttarayana Punyakaal: In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha waited on the bed of arrows until the arrival of Uttarayana before choosing to leave his mortal body. 2. Harmony between Surya & Shani: Capricorn is ruled by Saturn (Shani). The Sun enters the house of his son Shani, symbolizing reconciliation, forgiveness, and mutual harmony. 3. Health Benefits of Til-Gur: Consuming warming sesame and jaggery nourishes the body, improves immunity, and dispels winter chill. ## Sacred Story & Divine Lore Scriptural history and divine legends in sacred lore Core Narrative Summary “The Sun God visits the home of his son Saturn (Shani Dev) in Capricorn on this day, forgiving all past grievances and establishing peace across creation.” According to the Puranas, the Sun God (Surya Dev) and His son Saturn (Shani Dev) had an estranged relationship. On Makar Sankranti day, Surya Dev visited Shani's home in Capricorn (Makara). Shani Dev welcomed his father with immense love and offered sesame seeds (Til) and jaggery. Delighted by His son's humility, Surya Dev granted the boon that whoever worships the Sun and donates sesame and jaggery on this transit day will receive health, abundance, and relief from Saturn's afflictions. Historically, this day also marks the holy descent of Mother Ganga onto earth, following King Bhagiratha to Kapil Muni's ashram at Gangasagar to liberate the souls of his 60,000 ancestors. ## Key Rituals & Observance Step-by-step sacred rituals and worship practices 1. 1 Step 1 Early morning holy dip (Snan) in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, or Narmada. 2. 2 Step 2 Offering Arghya to Surya Dev with water, red flowers, unbroken rice, and sesame seeds. 3. 3 Step 3 Donating sesame seeds (Til), jaggery, woollen blankets, copper utensils, and Khichdi to the needy. 4. 4 Step 4 Flying kites and sharing Tilgul sweets with the greeting: "Tilgul ghya, god god bola" (Eat sweet sesame and speak sweetly). ## Sacred Deity & Powerful Mantras Lord Surya (Sun God) & Lord Shani • Vedic and Puranic chants for peace and blessings 1 #### Surya Dhyana Mantra (सूर्य ध्यान मंत्र) ॐ घृणिः सूर्याय नमः ॥ ध्येयः सदा सवितृमण्डलमध्यवर्ती नारायणः सरसिजासनसन्निविष्टः । केयूरवान् मकरकुण्डलवान् किरीटी हारी हिरण्मयवपुर्धृतशङ्खचक्रः ॥ Om Ghrinih Suryaya Namah Meaning I bow to Lord Surya, the radiant creator of life. Meditate always on the Supreme Lord residing in the center of the solar orb, adorned with golden ornaments, holding conch and chakra. 108 Japa Sacred Mantra ## Regional Celebrations & Heritage Diverse cultural and spiritual traditions across Bharat and worldwide Gujarat & Rajasthan International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) Millions fly colorful kites from rooftops shouting "Kai Po Che!", enjoying Undhiyu (spiced winter vegetable casserole) and Jalebi. Tamil Nadu & Sri Lanka Thai Pongal (4-Day Harvest Celebration) Families boil fresh harvest rice with jaggery and milk in clay pots until it overflows, chanting "Pongalo Pongal!" honoring cows (Mattu Pongal). Assam & Northeast Magh Bihu / Bhogali Bihu Villagers build makeshift bamboo huts (Meji) for community feasts, burning them next morning as offerings to Agni Dev. West Bengal (Gangasagar) Gangasagar Mela Millions of pilgrims take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga and Bay of Bengal, fulfilling the saying "Sab tirath bar bar, Gangasagar ek bar." ## Traditional Bhog & Sacred Offerings Sacred food offerings prepared with devotion 🍯 Til-Gur Ladoo (Sesame and jaggery balls) 🍯 Til Chikki and Gajak 🍯 Khichdi made with new rice, split black gram, and vegetables 🍯 Undhiyu and Jalebi (Gujarat) 🍯 Sweet and Ven Pongal (Tamil Nadu) 🍯 Pithe, Puli, and Patishapta (Bengal) ## Authentic Scriptural References ✦ Brahma Purana — Sankranti Mahatmya ✦ Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva (Bhishma Swargarohana) ✦ Surya Siddhanta — Astronomical Solar Transits ✦ Matsya Purana — Uttarayana Daan Vidhi ## Fasting & Parana Guidelines ✓ Devotees fast until taking the holy river dip and completing Sankranti Punyakaal charity at noon.