People across Odisha on Wednesday took holy dips in different water bodies on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, marking the auspicious transition of the Sun northwards, towards the Tropic of Cancer.
The ritualistic bathing, seen as a way to cleanse the soul, saw mass participation across the state’s rivers and ponds from the early hours of the morning.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Maji took a dip in the Baitarani River in his home district of Keonjhar and also offered prayers at a Shiva temple.
Taking to his X handle, CM Majhi wrote, “May this great tradition of Odisha further strengthen our social unity and harmony. May the blessings of Mahaprabhu keep the stream of the state’s progress uninterrupted, and may every family be filled with joy and happiness.”
ପବିତ୍ର ମକର ସଂକ୍ରାନ୍ତିର ଶୁଭ ଅବସରରେ କେନ୍ଦୁଝରର ପୂଣ୍ୟତୋୟା ବୈତରଣୀ ନଦୀରେ ମକର ସ୍ନାନ କରିବାର ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟ ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ହେଲା। ଆମର ଏହି ମହାନ ଧର୍ମ, ପରମ୍ପରା ଓ ସଂସ୍କୃତିର ସମନ୍ୱୟ ହିଁ ଓଡ଼ିଆ ଅସ୍ମିତାର ପ୍ରକୃତ ପରିଚୟ । ମହାପ୍ରଭୁଙ୍କ ନିକଟରେ ପ୍ରାର୍ଥନା, ଏହି ପବିତ୍ର ଦିନ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କ ଜୀବନରେ ସୁଖ, ଶାନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ସମୃଦ୍ଧି ଭରିଦେଉ। pic.twitter.com/FYFc6S7mZq
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) January 14, 2026
Makar Sankranti, primarily a harvest festival, marks the movement of the Sun northwards toward the Tropic of Cancer, a celestial event known as Uttarayan. According to local belief, worshipping the Sun during this period serves as a divine shield against poverty and disease, making it one of the most vital festivals in the Odia calendar.
In the holy town of Puri, thousands of devotees thronged the 12th-century Jagannath temple, where special rituals commenced at dawn. The atmosphere was charged with devotion as the temple administration ensured the smooth conduct of the ‘Makar’ ceremonies for the vast crowds.
The sibling deities of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra were adorned in the ‘Makar Chourashi Besha’ on the occasion. Garlands of colourful flowers and holy basil are part of the trinity’s attire for the day. The deities are offered a special sweet dish, ‘Makar Chaula’.
A central part of the festival’s culinary tradition is the ‘Makar Chaula,’ a special sweet dish offered to the deities. Prepared using newly harvested rice, jaggery, grated coconut, and bananas, the dish was later distributed among devotees as Prasad, symbolising the bounty of the harvest season.
In a breathtaking display of faith, large crowds also assembled at Chandrabhaga beach and the world-renowned Sun Temple in Konark. Visitors stood on the beach to witness the first sunrise of the Uttarayan phase, paying homage to the Sun god at the centuries-old architectural marvel.
In Southern Odisha, home to a significant Telugu-speaking population, the festival took on the vibrant hues of Pongal. Entrances to homes were decorated with elaborate ‘rangoli’ designs, and community feasts were organised, blending the distinct traditions of both Odia and Telugu cultures.
The skies across the towns and cities of Odisha were equally lively, as kite flying added a splash of colour to the horizon. Children and adults participated in friendly competitions, with the cutting of kites accompanied by traditional cheers and music, marking the joy of the transition into spring.
Extending his warm wishes to the state, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati stated, “May the grace of the Divine Lord fill everyone’s lives with joy and exuberance.”
Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik also joined in the celebrations via social media. Extending his greetings, Patnaik stated, “May this unique festival of our culture and traditions fill everyone’s lives with happiness, peace, and prosperity,” he said.
