Makar Sankranti is among the liveliest festivals in India that celebrates the harvest and is solar event where the sun moves to the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is celebrated with a lot of happiness all over the country. The festival epitomizes freshness, wealth, and thanksgiving to the nature. Every state in India has a different way to celebrate it, starting from big fairs to kite festivals full of colors and sumptuous banquets. In case you are arranging a trip to India for Makar Sankranti 2026, this is an exhaustive guide to the top places to Makar Sankranti celebration and soak up the festival’s vibrant cultural diversity.
Why Makar Sankranti Is Very Special in India?
Makar Sankranti is one of the few Indian festivals, which is based on the solar calendar and hence, is fixed on January 14 every year. It is a way to mark the end of the winter solstice and the start of the days with more sunlight. Different states celebrate the occasion differently and thus, reflect the concept of "unity in diversity" of India. No matter what the activities are - kite flying in Gujarat, holy dips in Uttar Pradesh, or cultural performances in Tamil Nadu - this festival is about coming together of the people in joy and gratitude.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The Kite Capital of India
When talking about the best places to fly kites during Makar Sankranti in India, Ahmedabad is the first to come up. The entire sky becomes a work of art as a million kites are seen during the International Kite Festival at Sabarmati Riverfront. The fights between kites of the locals and the tourists are very friendly and these are accompanied by the music, food, and traditional sweets like tilgul and undhiyu.
Reason to visit in 2026: In 2026, the festival will likely host international participants and very impressive night-glow kite shows that will attract travelers and photographers alike.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan – Royal Celebrations with Cultural Flair
The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated with such fervor in Jaipur that it is listed as one of the top destinations to enjoy the festival. People take to the roofs of their houses where they can hear and see the whole city rejoicing with music, kite flying, and bright colors. Globally, it is the Jaipur Kite Festival, which is considered one of the most attractive events and thus, is the reason why the participants come. Aside from flying kites, the tourists can gain the experience of royal palaces and also try out the local sweets such as ghevar and til ke laddoo.
Highlight: The celebration could not have been timed better with the pleasant winter weather in Jaipur, which is great for family outings and rooftop get-togethers.
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Holy Dips and Devotion
The Makar Sankranti in Varanasi is a very religious one. People bathing in the Ganges take the most sacred dips and Sun God is worshipped at sunrise. Thousands of diyas light up the ghats making it a fairy-like view. In case you are wanting to know about Makar Sankranti fairs which are held across India, then the Varanasi Ganga Snan Mela is surely the one to remember.
Why go: It is perfect for those who want to take a spiritual break during the festival season.
4. Haridwar, Uttarakhand – The Sacred and the Celebratory Hand in Hand
Haridwar is the most popular destination for a bath in the holy Ganges at Har Ki Pauri on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Everywhere in the town, one could hear the sacred hymns; fairs and traditional plays add to the overall galore. It ranks among the best places to celebrate Makar Sankranti festival in India if you are looking to experience the timeless spiritual side of India.
5. Hyderabad, Telangana – A Sky Full of Kites
Hyderabad celebrates Makar Sankranti mostly as Pongal or Sankranti. The sky of the city is covered with colorful kites, and the streets are beautified with the art of rangolis. Relatives meet for an elaborate meal of regional delicacies such as pongal, ariselu, and til sweets. Apart from that, the city has a plethora of Makar Sankranti cultural events India. Dances and cooking competitions are the major attractions.
6. Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh – The Grand Magh Mela
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across the country with the largest of fairs, Magh Mela, happening in Prayagraj. A record number of people, about 3 rivers of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet at a spot, and it is here that a holy dip called "Shahi Snan" is performed. Along with the sacred bath, one can enjoy music and kirtan of the bhajans and the spiritual discourses made by famous gurus which are held in the open air and are an awe-inspiring experience for the visitors.
Reason to be there in 2026: It is anticipated that the 2026 Magh Mela will be a global event with visitors coming from all over the world due to its large scale and spiritual importance.
7. Kolkata, West Bengal – A Cultural Celebration on the Banks of the Ganges
Kolkata’s Makar Sankranti is also the day when Gangasagar Mela happens. It is one of the largest pilgrimages in India. A vast number of devotees make their way to Sagar Island for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Apart from the spiritual ceremonies, there are funfairs, folk art, and tastemaking local sweets such as pithas and payesh.
8. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – Traditions of Pongal
In the southern part of India, Makar Sankranti is observed as Pongal. Rameswaram temples celebrate with fabulous rites, and families make the delicious Pongal food of the fresh harvest of rice. People can take their eyes and their hands through the bright and colorful kolams (rangolis), watching the bull-taming events, and listening to the traditional music performances.
Why Come: To see the cultural beauty of southern India and experience the warm hospitality of Tamil Nadu.
9. Bikaner, Rajasthn – Camels and Culture
The Bikaner Camel Festival is often held along with Makar Sankranti, thus, turning it into an original place for the visitors. There are camel races, folk dances, and handicraft fairs to entertain the visitors at the event. It is one of the most ecstatic places to celebrate Makar Sankranti festival in India if you are a culture enthusiast.
10. Nashik, Maharashtra – Holy Dips and Local Fairs
One of the major events during the festival in Nashik is taking a holy dip in the Godavari River followed by vibrant fairs. The village farmers engage in the harvest festival through the performance of their traditional music and dance and also by holding races of bullock carts. The area’s local food becomes an integral part of the celebration and hence it is an ideal place with kids to spend Makar Sankranti 2026.
Cultural Highlights Across India
- Kite Flying Competition : Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana
- Spiritual Dips : Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal
- Harvest Feasts : Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
- Fairs and Melas : Prayagraj, Bikaner, and Gangasagar
- Secure your trip and place to stay well in advance because it will be a busy time of the year in January.
- Have some light warm clothes with you, particularly if you are going to the north.
- To enjoy the festival to the fullest, eat the local foods prepared with sesame and jaggery.
- Take part in the celebrations with your heart but keep your manners intact especially during religious gatherings.
- Make sure you are there for the first light of the sun and the fairs in the evening at the ghats and temples.
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Q1. Which are the best places to celebrate Makar Sankranti in India?
Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Rameswaram are among the top 10 Makar Sankranti destinations India 2026.
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Q2. Where can I enjoy the best kite festivals in India?
Ahmedabad and Jaipur are the most popular Makar Sankranti kite flying destinations India with grand international events.
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Q3. Which Makar Sankranti fairs should I visit in 2026?
The Magh Mela in Prayagraj and Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal are the most famous.
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Q4. What are some family-friendly destinations for Makar Sankranti?
Nashik, Haridwar, and Hyderabad are great family-friendly places for Makar Sankranti 2026.
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Q5. What cultural activities happen during the festival?
Kite flying, traditional music, dance, temple fairs, and feasts are common across India.
It's like the entire country celebrates Makar Sankranti but every region decorates it with their own special color.
