Makar Sankranti 2026: Why do we fly kites and eat dahi-chura on this festival?

Makar Sankranti is one of the most important Hindu festivals, celebrated every year when the Sun enters the Capricorn (Makara) zodiac sign. This year, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, as the Sun transitions into Capricorn on this date. The festival marks harvest season, new beginnings, the end of winter, and the return of stronger sunlight.

Across India, people celebrate Makar Sankranti by taking holy dips in rivers, offering prayers to Surya Dev (Sun God), distributing tilkut (sweet made of sesame and jaggery), flying kites, and eating dahi-chura. Among these rituals, two traditions stand out the most: kite flying and eating dahi-chura. Both have deep religious beliefs and scientific reasoning behind them.

Why do we fly kites on Makar Sankranti?

Religious significance of kite flying-

According to Hindu beliefs and references from texts like Ramcharitmanas, Lord Rama is believed to be the first to fly a kite on Makar Sankranti. The legend says his kite flew so high that it reached Indralok, the kingdom of Lord Indra. Since then, kite flying became a symbol of joy, devotion, and offering prayers to the sky and the Sun.

Scientific reason behind kite flying-

Makar Sankranti marks the time when winter starts receding and sunlight becomes stronger. Staying in the sunlight during this period is extremely beneficial for health.

While flying kites, people spend hours under the open sky, their body absorbs natural Vitamin D. Movement during kite flying improves blood circulation and energy levels.

Why do we eat dahi-chura on Makar Sankranti?

Eating dahi-chura (curd and flattened rice) is a major part of Makar Sankranti celebrations, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and parts of North India.

Religious and cultural belief-

Dahi-chura is considered a favourite offering of Surya Dev. People offer it during prayers and then consume it as prasada. It is believed that eating dahi-chura on Makar Sankranti brings good luck and prosperity. It also helps remove planetary doshas from the horoscope

Scientific and health benefits of dahi-chura-

• Along with belief, dahi-chura also has strong nutritional benefits:
• curd contains good bacteria that improves gut health
• it helps with digestion and stomach cooling
• flattened rice keeps the body full and energized for longer
• the combination is light, wholesome and probiotic-rich
• As Makar Sankranti occurs during a season change, eating curd helps stabilise the digestive system and prepares the body for warmer days.