India Celebrates Harvest 2026: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu Traditions Revealed

January 14, 2026, India is draped in vibrant colors and festive spirit as millions celebrate Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Magh Bihu.¹ These festivals mark the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and the start of Uttarayana, the auspicious six-month northward journey of the Sun.²+1

While the core essence of gratitude to nature and the Sun God remains the same, each region brings its own unique flavor to the celebrations.³

1. Makar Sankranti: The Festival of Kites and Holy Dips⁴

Celebrated primarily in North and West India, Makar Sankranti is a day of spiritual purification and sky-high joy.

• The Ritual of Snan: Thousands of devotees gathered at the Gangasagar Mela in West Bengal and various ghats of the Ganga in Varanasi and Haridwar for a holy dip, believed to wash away sins.⁵
• Kite Flying: In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the skyline is a mosaic of kites.⁶ The International Kite Festival reached its peak today as families gathered on rooftops to participate in friendly “kite battles.”⁷+1
• Auspicious Muhurat: For 2026, the Punya Kala (auspicious window) is observed today from 03:13 PM to 05:45 PM, with the specific Sankranti Moment occurring at 03:13 PM.⁸

2. Pongal: Tamil Nadu’s Four-Day Harvest Gala⁹

In South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, the harvest festival is known as Thai Pongal.¹⁰

• “Pongalo Pongal!”: The main ritual involves boiling fresh rice with milk and jaggery in new clay pots.¹¹ As the mixture overflows, people shout “Pongalo Pongal!” to symbolize overflowing prosperity.
• PM Modi’s Participation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the festivities today at the residence of Union Minister L.¹² Murugan in Delhi, highlighting the “Namma Ooru Modi Pongal” initiative which bridges Tamil culture with national unity.¹³+1
• Mattu Pongal: Tomorrow (Jan 15), the focus will shift to Mattu Pongal, where cattle are decorated and worshipped for their vital role in farming.¹⁴

3. Magh Bihu: Assam’s Feast of Fire and Food¹⁵

In the Northeast, Assam is celebrating Magh Bihu (also called Bhogali Bihu), which is centered around community bonding and feasting.¹⁶

• Uruka Night: Last night, communities gathered for Uruka, a grand feast held inside temporary thatched huts called Bhelaghars.¹⁷
• Burning the Meji: This morning, the Meji (tall structures made of bamboo and straw) were set ablaze as an offering to Agni Dev, the God of Fire.¹⁸ People prayed for a bountiful year ahead while sharing traditional snacks like pitha (rice cakes) and laru (sweet balls).¹⁹+1

Quick Comparison: The Harvest Season at a Glance

Cultural Unity in Diversity

President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi both highlighted that these festivals are a testament to India’s “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” spirit.²⁰ Whether it is through the exchange of Til-Gul in Maharashtra or the sharing of Jolpan in Assam, the underlying message remains: a deep respect for the Earth, the farmers, and the celestial cycles that sustain life.²¹+1

Would you like me to find the best traditional recipes for Pongal or the specific bank holiday list for your city tomorrow?