Best Places To Visit During Makar Sankranti To Enjoy The Kite Festival

Makar Sankrati is the most auspicious time in the Hindu calendar and the day is celebrated grandly around the country — in as many as 19 states. Following the movement of the sun, this festival is celebrated on 14th January every year in some parts of India, and on 15th in others. The most exciting part of this festival is the lip-smacking delicacies, esp the sweets, and lakhs of kites flying high in the sky alongside occasional howls of Kai-Po-Che. 

We’ve shortlisted the best places to visit during makar sankranti for you to soak in the spirit of this exciting festival.

1. Ahmedabad

In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Makar Sakranti is referred as Uttarayana. The best part about visiting Ahmedabad during Makar Sankranti is that the markets are filled with colourful kites, waiting to be bought by the heaps and then cover the sky in the broad daylight. We recommend you to go to the Khadia area in Ahmedabad which has the tallest terrace that would let you see the entire city engaged in kite flying. When you’re in Ahmedabad, do try their Uttarayana special delectables lile spicy & baked vegetable called Undhiyu. Also, do not miss the sesame-seeds, jaggery, and peanuts made Chikkis. 

2. Bageshwar

Bageshwar is a must visit place during Makar Sankranti. It organizes the largest four-day Uttarayani Fair during Makar Sankranti — attended by thousands. People in Bageshwar celebrate Makar Sankranti with amazing gusto. From bathing before the dawn to taking ceremonial dips in holy rivers, and then offering neer to the lord Shiva — the rituals here are deeply rooted to the core of Sanatana culture. Fried sweetmeats to Khichdi, and vibrant colorful sightings in the Mela makes it an absolute best place to visit during Makar Sankranti.

3. Jodhpur

Jodhpur at Makar Sankranti is the best place to be because of the Jodhpur International Desert Kite festival being hosted over there. Take time to visit this to see the huge kites the kite fliers from all across the globe showcasing their kite flying skills. Spend your visit looking at the sky full of beautiful and colourful kites of various designs along with the enthusiasm among the people regarding the Kite festival. It reaches the highest point when a kite gets cut.

4. Guwahati

Makar Sankranti is also known as Magh Bihu in Guwahati who have their unique way of celebrating this festival. The end of the winter solstice month is rejoiced by the people of Guwahati by organizing community feasts and entertainment events. They lit bonfires known as 'Mejis' which are made of wood, bamboo, and hay. Guwahati is no doubt one of the best places to visit during Makar Sankranti to see a completely different side of the country celebrating Makar Sankranti in their own style. 

5. Jaipur

Every year during the 14th of January Jaipur organizes the grand Kite Festival which is inaugurated on the Polo Grounds. Exhibitions are set up to make the function all the more engaging and a stupendous parade is held with elephants, camels, and artists. The finale and prize dispersion of the Makar Sankranti Celebration is additionally held at this setting. Visiting Jaipur during Makar Sankranti is the best thing to do because the residents of Jaipur play music on the streets and enjoy the festival to their core.

6. Haridwar, Uttrakhand

This is an auspicious day to take a holy dip in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri. It is believed to purify the mind, body and soul from all past sins. Because of all these spiritual beliefs, during Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti, Haridwar also takes a holy dip in festivity and celebrates the end of winter, the season of harvesting, and also the season of spiritual practices. Taking a blessed dip in the holy water and attending Ganga Aarti is most recommended.

7. Amritsar, Punjab

Celebrating Makar Sankranti in Amritsar is all about wearing Punjabi traditional attires, doing the Bhangra dance on the electrifying beat of the dhol, and indulging in the scrumptious Lohri special delicacies like Peanut Chikki, Gajak, Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti, and Til Rice. Don’t forget to visit the glorious Golden Temple and take a holy dip in the most sacred Sikhs Gurudwara. Also, a grand fair/mela is organised in Muktasar Sahib on the occasion.

8. Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh 

Allahabad also known as Prayagraj is famous for the Magh Mela and the boisterous festive celebration of Makar Sankranti. Apart from bringing lakhs of devotees together for taking an auspicious dip in the holy river Ganga, this city also organises several kite flying competitions which fill the sky with kaleidoscope kites and heart with festivity and joy. Must visit for an incredible Makar Sankranti experience in 2023.

9. Bengaluru, Karnataka

Karnataka celebrates the Makar Sankranti in its own unique style. Married women or women who attain the age of marriage distribute fruits, flowers, sweets, and bangles to their relatives while celebrating the festival Ellu Bella. They also traditionally distribute sweets made from jaggery and roasted sesame seeds to their neighbours denoting sweetness is paramount in all dealings and in all relationships. Kite flying, drawing Rangolis, and cows & bull procession are the best highlights of a Makar Sankranti in Karnataka. 

10. Kolkata, West Bengal

The city of joy serves different festive fervour throughout the year irrespective of religion. Although you can visit here in any season to experience the elixir of culture, love, enthusiasm, and mind-blowing sweet delicacies. During Makar, Sankranti must visit two spiritually renowned Mela, 1st is Poush Mela and 2nd is coveted the Gangasagar Mela, and immersed in the soulful festivity of love, music, mystery, and respect. Don’t forget to visit the local market to have some goods, and clothes with unique crafts. 

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The festive fervosity, colorful vibrance, childrens’ zeal, kites, Kumbh, bonfires, and feasts — Makar Sankrati is your sacred bathe in the Indian culture. Which city or state are you steering to celebrate the festival?