How is Makar Sankranti celebrated in Varanasi?
On Makar Sankranti, pilgrims take a dawn dip in the Ganga, give alms, and eat sesame-and-jaggery sweets and khichdi — in eastern Uttar Pradesh the festival is often simply called Khichdi. Kites fill the sky over the old city. It falls on 14 or 15 January, depending on when the Sun enters Makara.
When it falls
- Usually
- 14 or 15 January
- Calendar basis
- Solar: the Sun's entry into Makara (Capricorn)
- Upcoming date
- Not yet confirmed by us — check a reliable panchang or official announcements.
On this page
Meaning
In Kashi
- Dawn bathing at the ghats, especially Dashashwamedh and Panchganga.
- Sesame sweets (til ke laddu, gajak) and khichdi.
- Kite flying from rooftops across the old city.
Tips
- January mornings are cold and foggy; take warm clothes for a dawn visit.
- Fog can delay trains and flights; build in extra time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Makar Sankranti on 14 or 15 January?
It depends on the exact time the Sun enters Makara each year. For 2027, calendars differ, so check a reliable panchang.
Sources and further reading
We link to primary and authoritative sources. External links open in a new tab.
- Drik Panchang — Hindu festival dates for Varanasi (opens in a new tab)
Drik Panchang — Reference work, checked September 2026
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Written and maintained by the KashiVishwanathTemple.net Editorial Team. Last updated . Found an error? Tell us — see our editorial policy.
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