Makar Sankranti is among the most joyful Indian festivals that signify the transition of seasons and the beginning of longer days. It is a time when families come together to thank nature for a good harvest and welcome new beginnings. Places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India become lively with colourful kites, sacred rituals, temple visits, and traditional food during this period. Every state celebrates the festival in its own way, making the experience rich and memorable. From the sacred ghats of rivers to the colourful rooftops of the city, this festival brings joy, devotion, and cultural cosiness to the whole country, inviting travellers to be part of this beautiful celebration.
Places to Visit for Makar Sankranti in India
Places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India offer a wonderful mix of culture, devotion, and festive joy, where every region celebrates the harvest season in its own special way. If you are wondering, where is Makar Sankranti celebrated in India? The festival is celebrated in all parts of the country, from religious riverside and temple towns to colourful cities full of kites and local celebrations.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Visiting Ahmedabad during Makar Sankranti is one of the best things to do in Gujarat. It is also known because of the huge Uttarayan Kite Festival that makes the sky colourful with thousands of kites. Families sit on rooftops, music playing in the background, and festive foods such as undhiyu and jalebi fill the air with aroma. The International Kite Festival around the Sabarmati Riverfront also attracts visitors in large numbers. The energy, joy, and friendly competition make Ahmedabad one of the most vibrant places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India, especially for those who love celebrations and crowd-filled festivals.
Things to Do
Take a sacred dip at the confluence of river and sea
Participate in Ganga Sagar Mela rituals
Visit Kapil Muni Temple
Observe mass prayers and spiritual ceremonies
Must-Visit Places: Ganga Sagar Beach, Kapil Muni Ashram, Pilgrim camps during the mela
2. Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Prayagraj is a very spiritual place during Makar Sankranti. Thousands of believers visit here to take a holy dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati converge. It is assumed that the day is extremely sacred, and people offer prayers to get peace and prosperity. The Magh Mela also begins during this time and is considered one of the best things to do in Prayagraj, filling the city with devotion and rituals. The serene chants, lamps and prayers on the bank of the river produce a serene mood. Due to its religious significance, Prayagraj stands out as one of the most significant places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Makar Sankranti
Attend rituals and prayers during the Magh Mela
Watch evening aartis along the riverbanks
Explore spiritual camps and cultural gatherings
Must-Visit Places: Triveni Sangam, Anand Bhavan, Allahabad Fort
3.Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is observed as a four-day-long harvest festival, known as Pongal. Family houses are also cleaned and painted with lovely kolams, and families make sweet pongal with freshly harvested rice. During Makar Sankranti, the farmers who have a prosperous harvest thank the Sun God. The villages are full of folk music and cultural life. People wear new clothing, and cattle are adorned as a way of new beginnings. Pongal is an expression of gratitude, plainness, and happiness. Experiencing these traditions makes Tamil Nadu one of the most culturally rich and best places to celebrate Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Take part in Pongal celebrations with local families
Watch traditional Pongal cooking rituals
Enjoy folk music and village cultural programs
Observe cattle decorations during Mattu Pongal
Must-Visit Places: Madurai, Thanjavur, Rural villages
4. Punjab
Makar Sankranti is a festival that is celebrated with much warmth and energy in Punjab. Festivals start with Lohri, a day before, and the people sit around bonfires and sing folk songs and dance bhangra and giddha. Peanuts, popcorn, and revri are traditional snacks shared by relatives and friends. The festival is celebrated as the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. The celebration is really special because of its joy, music and community bonding. Because of its lively traditions and festive spirit, Punjab is among the happiest Places to celebrate Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Join Lohri bonfire celebrations
Dance bhangra and giddha with locals
Taste traditional snacks like revri and peanuts
Visit villages to see harvest celebrations
Must-Visit Places: Amritsar, Ludhiana villages, Jalandhar countryside, Local community grounds during Lohri night
5. Ganga Sagar, West Bengal
Among the holiest places to visit during Makar Sankranti is Ganga Sagar. It is located at the junction of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, which hosts the famous Ganga Sagar Mela. Millions of pilgrims visit it to have a sacred dip, to wash away sins and bring blessings. Devotees also visit the Kapil Muni Temple, located nearby. The view of eternal faith, prayers and devotion is really touching. Due to its strong religious importance, Ganga Sagar is counted among the most sacred and best places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Take a sacred dip at the confluence of river and sea
Participate in Ganga Sagar Mela rituals
Visit Kapil Muni Temple
Observe mass prayers and spiritual ceremonies
Must-Visit Places: Ganga Sagar Beach, Kapil Muni Ashram, Pilgrim camps during the mela
6. Assam
Makar Sankranti is also observed in Assam as Magh Bihu, a festival that marks the end of harvest. The festival starts with the Uruka night, during which individuals take part in community feasts around bonfires. Traditional Bamboo huts are made, and the local food is prepared and eaten with love. The next day, people offer prayers to get blessed with prosperity and happiness. The Magh Bihu is an expression of unity, simplicity and admiration for nature. The unique customs and warm community celebrations make Assam one of the most culturally unique places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Celebrate Uruka Night with community feasts
Sit around traditional bonfires
Taste local Assamese dishes
Watch folk music and cultural performances
Must-Visit Places: Rural villages across Assam, Community Bihu grounds, Riverbanks
7. Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Haridwar is among the holiest places to visit in Uttarakhand and becomes even more special during Makar Sankranti. Thousands of believers also come to the banks of the River Ganga to have a holy bath on this day. It is said that taking a dip in the river during Makar Sankranti leads to holiness and spiritual development. The city is quiet but full of prayers, chants and activities in the temple. The evening Ganga Aarti gives a Godly touch to the surroundings. Haridwar, due to its religious significance, is regarded as one of the most holy places to visit during Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Take a holy bath in the River Ganga
Attend Ganga Aarti in the evening
Visit temples and ashrams
Join early-morning prayer rituals
Must-Visit Places: Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Ganga Ghats
8. Puri, Odisha
Puri is a famous pilgrimage place and one that is particularly significant during Makar Sankranti. Devotees go to the famous Jagannath Temple to pay their prayers and request blessings. The festival is linked with the rituals of Magha Saptami, during which sacred baths and temple rituals are performed. The seaside location gives the celebrations a cool and soothing effect. During this period, people also indulge in local desserts and local food. Puri is one of the most serene Indian destinations to visit during Makar Sankranti because of the combination of spirituality, sea breeze, and devotion.
Things to Do
Offer prayers at Jagannath Temple
Take part in Magha Saptami rituals
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the beach
Taste local temple food and sweets
Must-Visit Places: Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, and Gundicha Temple.
9. Hyderabad, Telangana
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with much enthusiasm and local traditions in Hyderabad. The festival lasts four days, including Bhogi, Sankranti and Kanuma. During this, people wear new clothes and decorate their homes with colourful rangolis. Flying kites is a popular activity, especially among youth and children. Delicate feast foods are made and eaten with relatives and neighbours. Cultural traditions and the cheerful environment indicate the friendliness of the festival. These lively celebrations make Hyderabad one of the most joyful places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Fly kites during Sankranti celebrations
Watch Bhogi bonfire rituals
Enjoy festive meals with locals
Explore cultural events in residential areas
Must-Visit Places: Old City areas, Necklace Road, Local residential kite-flying zones, and nearby temples
10. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is a traditional and colourful place to celebrate Makar Sankranti. The city celebrates the festival with kite flying activities when the pink skyline is full of colourful kites. Local markets also become vibrant, selling kites, strings, and sweets like ghewar and til-gud. Most families also visit temples to pray for a good life and health. Along with the festivities, travellers can explore many places to visit in Rajasthan, adding more depth to the journey.The combination of the royal buildings, the winter season, and the spirit of a holiday brings a special charm to the city. Due to its cultural richness and joyful atmosphere, Jaipur is among the most delightful places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India.
Things to Do
Fly kites from rooftops and open terraces
Visit temples on Sankranti morning
Shop for kites and festive sweets
Enjoy winter evenings in old city areas
Must-Visit Places: Nahargarh Fort (viewpoint), City Palace, Local markets, Govind Dev Ji Temple
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti is a wonderful display of Indian culture, unity, and closeness to nature. Places to visit for Makar Sankranti in India give travellers a chance to witness vibrant festivals, spiritual rituals, and joyful community celebrations across different regions. From flying coloured kites and taking holy dips to enjoying harvest feasts and temple worship, everything feels special and meaningful. The destinations have their own cultural flavour, which makes the festival memorable to the visitors. So, plan your journey wisely, embrace the festive spirit, and create lasting memories during this beautiful harvest celebration.
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