Makar Sankranti 2026: Best Photos & Wishes from India

Makar Sankranti 2026 lights up India with joy, colorful kites, and traditional feasts. Families gather to mark the sun’s transit into Capricorn, celebrating harvest and new beginnings.

Festivities continue strongly today, especially in South India where the festival is known as Pongal or Kanuma. Uttarayan kite flying dominates northern skies, while southern states focus on cattle worship and elaborate kolam designs.

Vibrant Kite Festivals Across Cities

Ahmedabad, Surat, and Jaipur host massive kite battles. Thousands fill the skies with vibrant patangs, echoing shouts of “Kite khe!” as friends compete in friendly rivalry.

In Gujarat, the International Kite Festival draws global participants. Rooftops turn into colorful arenas with traditional music and street food adding to the energy.

Wishing you a joyful Makar Sankranti filled with colors and celebrations. 🎉🪁

#MakarSankranti #HappyMakarSankranti #Uttarayan2025 #IKF2025 #Gujarattourism

— Gujarat Tourism (@GujaratTourism) January 14, 2025

Pongal and Kanuma Celebrations in South

Tamil Nadu’s Pongal sees families cook sweet rice in new clay pots, offering thanks to the sun god. Cattle get decorated and honored on Kanuma day, with bulls racing in villages.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana feature similar rituals, including Jallikattu previews and community feasts. Homes fill with the aroma of pongal, sakkarai pongal, and ven pongal.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu: Madurai’s Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, the first of the three major events of the Pongal 2026 harvest festival season, unfolds with full fervour, as the traditional bull-taming sport draws enthusiastic participation and vibrant celebrations. 🐂💨

#TamilNadu #Jallikattu

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 15, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares wishes: “Makar Sankranti reminds us of unity, hard work, and nature’s bounty. Let’s embrace positivity and progress.”

సంక్రాంతి శుభాకాంక్షలు! pic.twitter.com/VZtghYmQQS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2026

Holy Dips and Cultural Significance

Millions take sacred baths in rivers like Ganga, Godavari, and Kaveri. Devotees believe it washes away sins and brings prosperity.

In Maharashtra, people exchange tilgul (sesame-jaggery sweets) with the phrase “Til gul ghya, god god bola” – eat sweets and speak sweetly.

The festival strengthens family bonds and community spirit. Rural areas host bullock cart races, while urban centers enjoy drone shows and laser displays.

Makar Sankranti 2026 unites India in gratitude for the sun’s energy and agricultural abundance. From soaring kites to steaming pongal, the day radiates warmth and hope.

Happy Makar Sankranti! May your skies stay bright and your homes full of sweetness.