Makar Sankranti

About Makar Sankranti

In Karnataka, the festival is marked by visiting one’s friends and relatives to exchange greetings, and by the preparation of a dish called Ellu (made with sesame seeds, coconuts, sugar blocks, etc). A common custom found across Karnataka is the exchange of sugarcane pieces and Ellu with one’s neighbors, friends and relatives. In Karnataka, Pongal is known as ‘Sankranti’, and cows and bullocks are gaily decorated and fed ‘Pongal’- a sweet preparation of rice. Special prayers are offered. In the evening, the cattle are led out in procession to the beat of drums and music. In the night a bonfire is lit and the animals are made to jump over the fire.

Makar Sankranti is marked by men, women and children wearing colorful clothing; visiting near and dear ones; and exchanging pieces of sugarcane, a mixture of fried til, molasses, pieces of dry coconut, peanuts and fried gram. On this auspicious day, people in Karnataka distribute Yellu and bella Sesame seeds and Jaggery and greet with the words “Ellu bella thindu, Olle Maathu Aadu” Eat sesame seeds and speak only good.. The significance of this exchange is that sweetness should prevail in all the dealings.

The harvest festival of Pongal is celebrated in different parts of the country but variations mark the way in which they are celebrated. In Karnataka the Festival of Pongal is celebrated with a lot of revelry. It is also known by the name of Sankranti. Friends and relatives visit one another to exchange greetings.A special dish is prepared on the occasion of Pongal in Karnataka. The ingredients of this sweet dish Ellu are coconut, sesame seeds and sugar. It is customary for the people to exchange this sweet dish with friends, relatives and neighbors. It is a token to show that hence forth the relationship will be as sweet as Ellu with no bitterness involved.

Importance

The northward movement of the sun begins on this day. The period from Karkasankrant (the passage of the sun into the zodiac sign of Cancer) to Makarsankrant is called the dakshinayan. A person who dies in the dakshinayan period has a greater chance of going to Yamalok (southward region), than one who dies during uttarayan (northward revolution).Importance from the point of view of spiritual practice: On this day, from sunrise to sunset, the environment has more chaitanya (Divine conscious-ness); hence those doing spiritual practice can benefit from this chaitanya.

Method of Celebration

Offering:
Importance of making an offering during an auspicious period: The period from Makarsankrant to Rathsaptami is an auspicious period. Any donation and meritorious deeds in this period prove more fruitful.Substances offered: An offering of new vessels, clothing, food, sesame seeds, pot of sesame seeds, jaggery, a cow, a horse, gold or land should be made depending on the capability. On this day, married women also make some offering. They take things from unmarried girls and give them sesame seeds and jaggery in return. Married women organise a ceremony of haldi-kumkum (applying vermilion and turmeric to the forehead) and gift articles to other married women.

Importance of a gift:
Giving a gift to another woman amounts to surrendering to the Divinity in the other, through body, mind and wealth. Since the period of sankrant is favourable for spiritual practice, a gift given during this period results in bestowal of Divine grace and the jiva (embodied soul) gets the desired fruit.

What should be gifted:
Nowadays a wrong trend of gifting inappropriate commodities like soaps and plastic items has started. Instead, substances that are complementary to spiritual practice and are indicators of a married life, for example, incense sticks, utane (fragrant powder used during bath), religious texts, Holy texts, pictures of Deities, CDs on spiritual topics etc. should be gifted.

Location info

• **Address:**Karnataka,India

• District: Karnataka

• Best time to visit: 14th January.

Climate & weather

During winter temperatures range from 32 degrees Celsius to below 20 degrees Celsius,Summer Average temperature is 34 degrees Celsius

History of Makar Sankranti

Sankranti is considered a Deity. According to a legend Sankranti killed a demon named Sankarasur.The day followed by Makar sankrant is called Kinkrant or Karidin. On this day, the female deity (devi) slayed the demon Kinkarasur.

How to reach Makar Sankranti

• Nearest Railway Station:

• Nearest Airport:

• Road Transport:

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Makar Sankranti

Visit during the actual festival dates for the full experience. The festival occurs annually on specific dates according to the Hindu calendar or fixed calendar dates. Check the exact dates for the current year before planning.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Major celebrations span multiple days with specific events scheduled each day. Key rituals often begin early morning (5:00-7:00 AM) and continue through the evening. Cultural programmes typically take place in the evenings (6:00-10:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to most festivals and their main events is free for the public. Special seating areas or VIP darshan tickets may be priced ₹100-₹500. Some cultural programmes may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

The festival typically spans 1-10 days. A single day visit can cover the main highlights. Staying for the duration offers a comprehensive experience of the rituals, cultural programmes, and festive atmosphere.

Safety tips

Festival crowds can be very large — stay together with your group. Keep valuables secure. Follow the directions of festival organizers and police. Stay hydrated. Identify emergency exits and first aid stations. Be aware of your surroundings during processions.

Things to carry

Water bottle, camera (check if allowed during specific rituals), small backpack, comfortable walking shoes, cash for offerings and purchases, mobile phone with emergency contacts saved.

Nearby visiting places

Other temples in the vicinity, nearby towns and cities, tourist attractions in the region that can be visited in conjunction with the festival.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station and bus stand in the host city/town. For major festivals, special transport arrangements are often made by KSRTC and the railways.

Things to do at Makar Sankranti

Witness the main rituals and ceremonies at the temple, watch processions and cultural performances, participate in community celebrations, try festival-specific foods and sweets, explore the festive markets (if held), and photograph the colourful decorations and events.

Things to visit & highlights

The main temple or venue where the festival is centred, procession routes, cultural performance stages, temporary markets and fairs that spring up during the festival.

Frequently asked questions

When does the festival take place? The festival is held annually on specific dates according to the Hindu calendar. Check the exact dates for the current year before planning your visit.

Can tourists participate in the celebrations? Yes, visitors are welcome to observe and respectfully participate in most cultural programmes and festivities.

What should I wear? Modest, comfortable clothing is recommended. Traditional Indian attire is appreciated during religious ceremonies.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Festivals

Photo gallery of Makar Sankranti

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Makar Sankranti on popular travel photography sites and social media.