Makar Sankranti is a time of celebration, renewal, and gathering, and it’s celebrated with unique traditions across India. Whether you’re looking for colorful kite festivals, spiritual rituals, or a deep dive into regional food and customs, India offers diverse experiences to make your Makar Sankranti truly memorable. Here are the top five places where you can experience the best of Makar Sankranti in 2025.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The International Kite Festival
Gujarat is synonymous with its International Kite Festival, one of the biggest Makar Sankranti celebrations in India. Held every year in Ahmedabad, the skies are filled with thousands of kites of all shapes and sizes. Locals and tourists gather on rooftops and open grounds for a vibrant competition to fly the best kites.
What to Expect:
The festival lasts for several days, offering not just kite flying but also traditional music, folk dances, and delicious local snacks like undhiyu and dabeli. The sight of kites soaring high against the bright blue sky is an experience you’ll never forget.
Why Visit:
If you love outdoor festivities, kite flying, and a lively atmosphere, Ahmedabad’s Makar Sankranti celebration should be at the top of your list. For more details on the International Kite Festival, you can visit Incredible India’s official website.
2. Tamil Nadu – Pongal Celebrations in Madurai and Kanyakumari
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a harvest festival that involves cooking rice with freshly harvested crops. The celebrations are marked by rituals, cultural events, and joyous gatherings. The region’s rituals often include Jallikattu (bull-taming) and folk performances.
What to Expect:
You can enjoy vibrant temple festivals, taste regional dishes like Pongal, and witness the unique bull-taming competitions, particularly in Madurai. Kanyakumari, known for its picturesque landscape, offers a peaceful yet captivating setting to celebrate the festival.
Why Visit:
If you’re looking to experience traditional rural celebrations, Tamil Nadu offers a spiritual and cultural immersion, along with a chance to participate in vibrant rituals. For more on Tamil Nadu’s Pongal celebrations, you can explore Tourism Tamil Nadu.
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Spiritual Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti in Varanasi is a deeply spiritual affair. Thousands of devotees gather at the ghats to take a holy dip in the Ganges River, believing it purifies them. The city also hosts the Ganga Aarti in the evening, where thousands of lamps are lit in reverence to the river.
What to Expect:
In Varanasi, you can participate in sacred rituals, watch the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, and enjoy sweets like tilgul (sesame and jaggery sweets). The spiritual atmosphere of the city, especially during Makar Sankranti, is unlike any other.
Why Visit:
For those seeking a spiritual connection, Varanasi’s sacred Makar Sankranti celebrations are a chance to witness age-old traditions and partake in meaningful rituals. Learn more about the spiritual significance of Varanasi’s ghats on Uttar Pradesh Tourism.
4. Patna, Bihar – Patna Ganga Aarti and Kite Festival
Patna, the capital of Bihar, celebrates Makar Sankranti with a combination of spiritual rituals and cultural festivities. The Patna Ganga Aarti is a must-watch event, where people gather on the ghats to offer prayers. Additionally, kite flying is an integral part of the festival here, much like in Gujarat.
What to Expect:
Along with the prayers and the Ganga Aarti, you can fly kites, enjoy local dishes like tilkut (sesame and jaggery sweet) and laddus, and experience a more traditional celebration compared to other parts of India.
Why Visit:
Patna’s Makar Sankranti offers a quieter, more reflective celebration with a focus on local traditions and spiritual practices. Discover more about Patna’s cultural highlights on Bihar Tourism.
5. Kolkata, West Bengal – Makar Sankranti at Kumartuli and Dakshineswar Temple
In Kolkata, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with both spiritual reverence and traditional festivities. The day begins with prayers and offerings at temples like Dakshineswar. The Kumartuli area, known for its idol-making tradition, becomes a focal point during this time, with exhibitions of handcrafted idols.
What to Expect:
Along with religious rituals, you’ll find families exchanging tilgul (sweets), people gathering at temples, and the city taking on a festive vibe with food stalls offering regional delicacies like patishapta and puli.
Why Visit:
If you want to experience a mix of spirituality, artistry, and cultural richness, Kolkata’s Makar Sankranti celebrations offer a fascinating blend. For more on Kolkata’s festive charm, you can visit West Bengal Tourism.
Tips for Celebrating Makar Sankranti:
Get Involved in Rituals: Wherever you are, make sure to participate in local traditions. Whether it’s flying kites, taking a holy dip, or preparing traditional sweets, immersing yourself in the local culture will enhance your experience.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Most Makar Sankranti celebrations involve outdoor activities, so make sure to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather.
Enjoy Local Delicacies: Each region has its own traditional foods during Makar Sankranti. Don’t miss out on tasting local dishes like undhiyu, tilgul, pongal, and laddus.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across India, each region bringing its unique flavor to the festival. Whether you want to enjoy kite flying in Ahmedabad, take part in spiritual rituals in Varanasi, or immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Tamil Nadu, India offers something special for everyone during Makar Sankranti. Choose your destination wisely and enjoy the festivities in all their glory.
