Jaipur, January 14, 2026: The historic Pink City brimmed with festive zeal on Wednesday as people across Jaipur celebrated Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival that heralds the sun’s northward journey and the onset of longer days.
Devotees took part in a range of age-old customs to mark the occasion, from taking holy dips in sacred water bodies such as Pushkar Sarovar in Ajmer and Galta Tirth in Jaipur to offering prayers at beautifully adorned temples. Many fed cattle, distributed sweets, and engaged in charitable activities in the spirit of the festival.
Kite Flying, Chief Guest Participation
Kite flying, a hallmark of Makar Sankranti celebrations, saw enthusiastic participation, though light morning winds dampened the spirits of some kite aficionados. Still, the Jaipur skies gradually filled with colourful kites as the day progressed, reflecting deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari attended a kite festival organised by the Rajasthan Tourism Department near Jal Mahal, adding official splendour to the festivities. The event featured families and tourists flying kites, creating a vibrant tableau against the city’s heritage backdrop.
Social Initiatives and Community Spirit
In keeping with the festival’s focus on community, arrangements were made across the city to protect and care for birds injured by sharp kite strings (manjha). Various social organisations set up rescue and treatment camps for birds, highlighting a growing trend of compassionate festival practices.
Temples such as Govind Devji and Tadkeshwarji were decorated with flowers and kites, drawing devotees who described the day as highly auspicious and a time for family gatherings and prayers.
Festive Essence
Makar Sankranti, widely observed across India with regional variations such as Pongal in the South and Lohri in the North, celebrates harvest abundance and cultural unity. Traditional foods like sesame and jaggery sweets are shared among friends and family, symbolising warmth and goodwill.
As Jaipur basked in traditional fervour and cultural celebrations, the festival once again underscored its unique blend of devotion, local customs, and community participation.