Key Insights

Makar Sankranti marks new beginnings, which is why many families choose to buy gold during this time. Gold represents stability and long-term value in Indian homes. Buying gold on this day is a personal choice and works best when done with planning and clarity.

Makar Sankranti arrives on 14 January every year and is widely seen as the first important festival of the year across India. In some parts of the country, families also celebrate it on 15 January. What makes this day special is not just the rituals, but what it represents. It marks a seasonal shift, the start of the harvest and a moment to pause and begin the year afresh.

This sense of a fresh start is why gold has quietly become part of the celebration. Over generations, many families choose to buy gold during Makar Sankranti.

In Indian homes, gold stands for stability, continuity and value that lasts. Buying gold on Makar Sankranti feels like welcoming the year with something meaningful and enduring.

About the Festival of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in many forms, yet the emotion behind it remains the same. In some regions, the day begins with prayers at home or temples. In others, it spills outdoors with kite flying, laughter and shared meals. It is a festival that brings people together, whether quietly within families or loudly across neighbourhoods.

Food plays a central role in the celebration. Since the festival falls in winter and is linked to the harvest, traditional dishes use seasonal ingredients that bring warmth and comfort. Many households prepare sweets made from til and jaggery, such as laddoos, chikki and gajak. Sesame and jaggery are traditionally associated with warmth, bonding and shared sweetness.

In other regions, rice and lentil-based dishes take centre stage, reflecting gratitude for the harvest. These foods are shared with neighbours and relatives, reinforcing the idea of generosity and togetherness.

The festival may look different from state to state, but the feeling of renewal is shared everywhere.

What Makar Sankranti is called in different states:

North India

• Shishur Senkrath in Kashmir

• Uttarain, Maghi Sangrand or Uttarayana in Jammu

• Sakrat in Haryana

• Khichdi Sankranti in Uttar Pradesh

• Maghi Saaji in Himachal Pradesh

• Uttarayani and Ghughuti in Uttarakhand

Western India

• Uttarayan in Gujarat

• Sakraat in Rajasthan

• Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra and Goa

Eastern India

• Poush Sankranti in West Bengal

• Dahi Chura in Bihar

• Makar Sankranti in Odisha

South India

• Pongal in Tamil Nadu

• Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

• Makar Sankranti in Karnataka

Reasons Why People Buy Gold on Makar Sankranti

Gold buying on Makar Sankranti has stayed relevant because it blends tradition with everyday sense. People do not buy gold on this day only because they are told to. They do it because it feels right.

1. It feels like a meaningful way to begin the year

Makar Sankranti symbolises renewal and forward movement. Buying gold on this day feels intentional. Many families see it as a way to start the year with structure and intention. Even a small purchase carries emotional value.

2. Gold has always symbolised prosperity in Indian homes

Gold is deeply woven into Indian culture. It represents wealth, dignity and security. During a festival that celebrates abundance and growth, gold naturally fits into the narrative. It is familiar, trusted and respected across generations.

3. It is bought with a long-term mindset

Most people do not buy gold on Makar Sankranti to sell it quickly. They buy it to hold. Gold is seen as something that quietly retains value over time. It may sit untouched for years, yet remain meaningful when needed.

4. Gold works well as a thoughtful gift

Makar Sankranti is a time for sharing. Along with sweets, families often exchange gifts. Gold stands out because it is both emotional and practical. A gold coin or small gold piece can be gifted without worry. It suits all ages and can support future milestones.

5. Festive buying feels planned, not rushed

Because Makar Sankranti comes on a fixed date, many families plan their gold purchase in advance. This avoids last-minute decisions. It also helps people stay disciplined and within budget. Over time, this habit feels more reassuring than buying on impulse.

6. Gold offers a sense of security

Gold is easy to store and widely accepted. Families like knowing that it can support future needs if required. This sense of security is one reason gold continues to be chosen during important festivals.

It’s Your Choice Whether You Want to Buy Gold on Makar Sankranti

Buying gold on Makar Sankranti is a personal choice. For some families, it reflects long-standing customs. For others, it is simply a convenient point in the year to make a planned purchase. The occasion offers a natural pause to review priorities and add something of lasting value.

What matters most is clarity. Knowing why you are buying gold, choosing the right form such as gold coins, gold bars or gold pendants and ensuring purity and trust makes the purchase worthwhile. When approached thoughtfully, buying gold during this period becomes a practical decision rather than a symbolic one.

FAQs

Is it necessary to buy gold on Makar Sankranti? No. Buying gold on Makar Sankranti is a personal choice. People choose this period because it coincides with the start of the year and feels like a good time to plan a purchase. The decision should depend on your budget, purpose and comfort rather than the date itself.

Is Makar Sankranti considered a good day to buy gold?

Many people associate Makar Sankranti with new beginnings and planned purchases. This is why gold buying is popular during this time. However, what makes it a good decision is not the day itself, but buying gold with clarity around purity, pricing and purpose.

Which form of gold is better to buy during Makar Sankranti?

The choice depends on why you are buying gold.

• Gold coins and gold bars are commonly chosen for saving and gifting, as their value is closely linked to weight and purity.

• Gold pendants are preferred by those who want something wearable while still retaining intrinsic value.

What should I check before buying gold during the festive season?

It is important to check purity, weight, proper billing and certification. Understanding the full cost, including any additional charges, helps ensure the purchase remains transparent and easy to value in the future.

Can gold bought during Makar Sankranti be used later for other purposes?

Yes. Gold bought during this period can be held as a long-term asset, gifted later, redesigned into jewellery or sold if needed. This flexibility is one reason gold continues to be a preferred choice during important occasions.