Makara Sankranthi is one of India's most important Hindu harvest festivals. The celebration signifies the start of an auspicious time (harvest season) and the entrance of longer days when the Sun enters Makara Rashi (Capricorn). The event also honours the change of the seasons, gratitude, regeneration, and agricultural prosperity.
Sankranthi
2027 Date
|
Festival |
Date |
|
Bhogi |
14th January |
|
Sankranthi |
15th January |
|
Kanuma |
16th January |
Sankranthi Holidays 2027 in India
Makara
Sankranthi is observed as a public, restricted, or optional holiday depending
on the state and the applicable government holiday calendar.
In
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sankranthi is one of the major festivals of the
year. Government offices, educational institutions, and private businesses may
follow different holiday schedules.
Employees
and students should check the official 2027 holiday notification issued by
their respective state government or institution.
How Is Makara Sankranthi Celebrated?
Common
traditions include:
- Surya
Puja: Worshipping
the Sun God and offering prayers for prosperity and good health.
- Harvest
celebrations:
Expressing gratitude for agricultural produce and a successful harvest.
- Rangoli
and Sankranthi Muggulu:
Decorating homes with colourful designs, especially in Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana.
- Bhogi
celebrations:
Lighting traditional bonfires on Bhogi, according to local customs.
- Kite
flying: Flying
colourful kites, particularly in Gujarat and other regions.
- Traditional
food: Preparing
festive dishes such as pongal, ariselu, tilgul, and other regional sweets.
- Family
gatherings:
Visiting relatives, sharing festive meals, and exchanging sweets.
Religious
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Devotees
offer prayers to the Sun God, visit temples, take ritual baths where customary,
and perform charitable acts.
The
Kumbh Mela and other major religious gatherings are associated with particular
auspicious occasions and calendar cycles; they do not occur at every Makara
Sankranthi.
Is
Makara Sankranthi a public holiday?
Makara
Sankranthi's holiday status varies across India. In some states, it is an
official public holiday, while in others it may be listed as a restricted or
optional holiday.
In
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the festival is widely celebrated, and many
schools, colleges, government offices, and businesses may close according to
their official holiday schedules.
Always
refer to the relevant 2027 state government holiday list for confirmation.
