Makar Sankranti is one of the most important harvest festivals celebrated across India, and in Uttar Pradesh it holds deep religious, cultural, and social significance. The festival marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), an astronomical event that occurs once every month and is known as Sankranti. Since the Sun passes through twelve zodiac signs in a year, there are twelve Sankrantis, but Makar Sankranti is considered the most auspicious among them.
In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is popularly known as Khichdi Parv or Kicheri, and it is observed with great devotion, charity, and mass pilgrimages to sacred riverbanks.
Religious and Vedic Significance
According to Hindu scriptures, Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun’s northward journey, which is believed to be the daytime of the gods (Devatas). This period is considered highly favorable for religious activities, charity, meditation, and spiritual practices, while Dakshinayana is believed to be the night of the gods.
A popular Vedic belief states that on this day, Lord Surya (Sun God) visits the house of his son Lord Shani, who rules the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Despite their differences, this annual meeting symbolizes forgiveness, duty, and the sacred bond between father and son.
Association with the Mahabharata
Makar Sankranti also finds an important mention in the Mahabharata. It is believed that Bhishma Pitamah, who had the boon of choosing the time of his death, waited on a bed of arrows until Makar Sankranti to leave his mortal body. According to belief, a person who departs during Uttarayana attains moksha (liberation from rebirth), making the day spiritually powerful.
Magh Snan and Pilgrimage Traditions
One of the most significant aspects of Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh is the Magh Snan (holy bath). Millions of devotees gather at Prayag (Prayagraj) to take a sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.
The Sangam is believed to be the spot where drops of Amrit (nectar of immortality) fell during the celestial churning of the ocean. Bathing here on Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual merit.
Apart from Prayag, ritual bathing is also observed at:
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Haridwar
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Garh Mukteshwar
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Other sacred river ghats across Uttar Pradesh
Magh Mela
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the Magh Mela, a month-long religious fair held at Prayag. Saints, ascetics, pilgrims, and devotees from across India gather during this period to perform rituals, listen to spiritual discourses, and engage in meditation and charity.
Khichdi Parv: Unique UP Tradition
In Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated as Khichdi Parv. On this day:
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A special dish called khichdi (made from rice and lentils) is prepared
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The dish is offered to Lord Surya as naivedya
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After prayers, it is distributed among family members and devotees as prasad
The simplicity of khichdi symbolizes humility, nourishment, and gratitude toward nature.
Festive Foods and Customs
Traditional foods prepared during Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh include:
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Til laddoos made from sesame seeds and jaggery
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Sweets prepared with seasonal ingredients
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Khichdi offered during religious rituals
Because of the prominence of sesame sweets, the festival is also referred to as Til Sankranti in many regions.
Kite Flying and Social Celebrations
Kite flying is a popular festive activity during Makar Sankranti, especially among children and youth. The colorful kites in the sky symbolize joy, freedom, and celebration as winter fades away and spring approaches.
Families come together, exchange sweets, and celebrate the day with warmth and community bonding.
Charity and Spiritual Practices
Charity is considered highly meritorious on Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh. Common acts of charity include:
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Donating til, jaggery, khichdi, and grains
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Offering blankets and woollen clothes to the needy
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Giving alms to Brahmins and saints
Devotees also:
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Chant the Gayatri Mantra
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Worship Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge
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Pay homage to ancestors
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Offer food to animals, especially cows, revered as symbols of life and nourishment
Cultural Importance
Makar Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh beautifully blends agricultural gratitude, spiritual discipline, charity, and community celebration. The festival marks a transition—not just in seasons, but also in human thought—encouraging people to move toward light, knowledge, generosity, and harmony.