Makar Sankranti marks the Sun God’s entry into Capricorn (Makara) and the beginning of Uttarayana, the sun’s northward journey. Hindu philosophy considers this period spiritually elevating, as sattvic energy increases and divine alignment becomes stronger. Sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita associate Uttarayana with auspiciousness and spiritual progress.
For this reason, Makar Sankranti is considered an ideal time to perform rituals that invoke prosperity, harmony, and inner well-being. Haldi Kunku is one of Maharashtra’s most revered spiritual and cultural traditions. It honours women, strengthens social harmony, and marks auspicious beginnings.
One distinctive feature of Maharashtrian Sankranti celebrations is the tradition of wearing black attire during haldi kunku. Celebrated during the coldest part of winter, black clothing absorbs and retains warmth. It is also believed to symbolically absorb the renewed solar energy of the transitioning sun, reflecting ancient seasonal wisdom and the movement from dormancy toward vitality.
Married women (suvasinis) traditionally host haldi kunku gatherings. The ritual proceeds through meaningful symbolic actions.
They welcome women with haldi (turmeric) and kunku (vermilion. Applying haldi-kunku is believed to awaken the nurturing and protective energy of Goddess Durga and invite auspiciousness. Next, attar (fragrance) is applied on the wrists and rose water sprinkled. Fragrance and rose water purify the surroundings and create a sattvic atmosphere
This is followed by an offering of seasonal foods such as tilgul, sugarcane, and peanuts, representing nourishment, resilience, and sweetness in relationships. Til gul offerings are joyfully accompanied by the words,“Tilgul ghya, god god bola,” (take this tilgul and speak sweetly).
Lastly, the vaan (gift) is offered, supported by the end of the sari pallu. This action symbolises the surrender of ego and material attachment while recognising the divinity present in every woman. Choosing what vaan to give, is a much-awaited activity, for each suvasini wants to offer something beautiful, meaningful and useful.
Across Maharashtra, regional variations shape the ritual, yet its spiritual essence remains unchanged. Through devotion, symbolism, and shared tradition, Haldi Kunku continues to preserve Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural heritage.