# Makar Sankranti 2027: Date and Rituals

> Makar Sankranti 2027 is on Friday, 15 January. Holy transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makara), marking Uttarayana and the harvest festival.

Source: https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/makar-sankranti

## Significance & Spiritual Meaning

Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues

Significance & Spiritual Meaning

Makar Sankranti marks the auspicious transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi, signifying the start of Uttarayana (the six-month northward movement). Celebrated with holy river baths, charity (Dana), flying kites, preparing Sesame-Jaggery sweets (Til-Gul), and Pongal celebrations.

Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues

Harvest abundance, solar energy renewal, gratitude to nature, and charity.

## 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 Sacred bath in holy rivers at sunrise
2. 2 Step 2 Surya Puja and offering Arghya to the Sun
3. 3 Step 3 Donating food, sesame, and blankets to the needy
4. 4 Step 4 Flying kites and preparing festive sweets

## Sacred Deity & Powerful Mantras

Surya Deva (Sun God) • 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

[More mantras](https://www.hinducalendar.today/vedic-mantra/gods/navagraha/lord-surya/surya-mantras)

## 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.