Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan 2027: puja checklist and what to offer

In Gujarat, Uttarayan means kites, terraces and family, and in many homes the day starts with a puja to Surya. Here is a short guide from Rajkot.

In this article: The 2027 date · What Uttarayana means · Puja checklist · Gift ideas

The 2027 date

According to Drik Panchang, the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn) at 9:14 PM on Thursday 14 January 2027 (New Delhi). Because the transit is after sunset, Drik Panchang lists Makar Sankranti for Friday 15 January 2027. In Gujarat, Uttarayan kite-flying is widely celebrated on 14 January and Vasi Uttarayan the next day. Check your local panchang for the exact punya kaal in your city.

What Uttarayana means

Uttarayana is the Sun's northern course. The Bhagavad Gita (8.24) names "the six months when the sun travels in the north" (shan-masa uttarayanam) among auspicious times, which is part of why the start of the northern course is honoured. Drik Panchang describes the Sankranti day as dedicated to Surya, with bathing, offerings and charity during the punya kaal.

Puja checklist

• Water in a copper or brass lota for the offering to Surya, as your family does.
• Flowers, unbroken grains (akshata), and til and jaggery sweets prepared at home.
• A diya and agarbatti: for example Maharshi (cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli) or 555 (sandalwood, rose, jasmine).
• Holders, a heat-resistant plate and matches.

The Bhagavata Purana (11.27.33) lists incense and lamps with water, fragrance, flowers and grains among the offerings made with faith. Follow your own family's practice for the details.

Gift ideas

Sankranti is a season for giving. For relatives and neighbours, consider the Keshar Chandan + 555 combo, the Muladhara + Maharshi + 555 combo, or the Premium Petals 6-fragrance combo. See the full Uttarayan and Makar Sankranti collection. For larger quantities, see bulk orders.

Burning incense and dhoop safely

Place sticks in a holder and cups on a heat-resistant burner, on a stable surface that catches the ash. Keep the space ventilated and away from curtains, paper and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away, never leave burning incense or dhoop unattended, and let ash and holders cool before handling.

On a windy terrace, keep incense in a covered holder and away from kite string, paper and fabric.

Sources

• Drik Panchang: 2027 Makar Sankranti date and time (New Delhi).
• Bhagavad Gita 8.24: the six months of the northern course.
• Bhagavata Purana 11.27.33: incense, lamps and other offerings.

Translations: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust on VedaBase.

Written for Janak Perfumers, making agarbatti in Rajkot since 1962. Fragrance notes and pack details come from our product listings. Explanations prepared with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. References checked on 4 November 2026.