Is Makar Sankranti always on 14 January?

Usually, since it follows the solar calendar, but it can occasionally fall on 15 January depending on the exact solar transit. Confirm for your specific year. (confirmed on enquiry)

What's the difference between Makar Sankranti and Pongal?

Pongal is Tamil Nadu's regional name and set of rituals for the same solar transition — a multi-day harvest festival with its own distinct ceremonies, held around the same time as Makar Sankranti.

Where is kite flying biggest?

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and Jaipur (Rajasthan) both host large public kite-flying events, with the sky visibly full of kites through the day.

Festival

Last updated: 1 September 2026

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transit into the zodiac sign Capricorn, and unlike most Hindu festivals it follows the solar calendar, so it falls close to the same Gregorian date each year — usually 14 January, occasionally 15th. It is celebrated differently by region: kite flying in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Lohri (a related but distinct festival) in Punjab.

By Experience My India Editorial Team

Destination specialists and licensed local guides

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Makar Sankranti marks the sun's transition into Capricorn and, in most traditions, the start of its northward journey — considered an auspicious time. Celebrations vary sharply by region: Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan mark it with large-scale kite flying, Tamil Nadu observes it as Pongal, a multi-day harvest festival, and river and tank bathing is common in many regions.

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Part of Festivals & Events

Makar Sankranti

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