Makar Sankranti 2026 – What to Donate and What to Avoid

Makar Sankranti is a festival of special significance in Hinduism and devotees dedicate it to the worship of the Sun God. On this day, the Sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign and begins its northward journey (Uttarayan). People view this transition as a symbol of new beginnings and the start of auspicious activities. This festival represents charity, service, and positive energy. Believers hold that charity performed on this day not only earns merit but also destroys sins. Let us learn what one should donate on Makar Sankranti.

What Should You Donate on Makar Sankranti?

Charity holds special importance on Makar Sankranti because this festival symbolizes service, altruism, and inner purification. People consider donations made on this day highly meritorious. Scriptures especially recommend donating sesame seeds, jaggery, khichdi, warm clothes, blankets, and copper or brass utensils. These items not only help the needy but also increase the flow of positive energy in the donor’s life. Donating sesame and jaggery sweets, khichdi, grains, blankets, and woolen clothes during winter proves extremely auspicious. In addition, donating fodder or financial support to a cowshed also brings merit. While donating on Makar Sankranti, one must maintain a pure heart and a spirit of service. Charity performed on this day brings mental peace and opens the path toward spiritual progress. Read further to understand the religious and social significance of donating these items.

What Should You Donate on Makar Sankranti?

Donation of Sesame Seeds and Jaggery

People consider the donation of sesame seeds and jaggery the most important act on Makar Sankranti. Sesame seeds symbolize purity, while jaggery represents sweetness and good fortune. According to ancient beliefs, sesame purifies the body and energizes the soul. Jaggery contains nutrients that provide energy, especially during winter.

Example:
If an elderly person or a poor family lives in your neighborhood, prepare sesame and jaggery laddoos and offer them. Their gratitude gives you positive energy and mental peace. Donating sesame and jaggery not only holds religious importance but also adds sweetness to relationships. People believe this donation pacifies Sun and Saturn defects in the horoscope and brings prosperity into life.

Donation of Grains and Khichdi

People consider the donation of rice, lentils, millet, and black gram used in khichdi especially auspicious on Makar Sankranti. Scriptures describe food donation as the greatest charity because it fulfills the need of the hungry. According to the Skanda Purana, donating food grants merit equal to performing a thousand yajnas.

Example:
On Makar Sankranti, you can arrange a community meal for the poor and distribute khichdi. This act proves meritorious from a religious perspective and also serves as a beautiful example of social service. If a community event is not possible, you can prepare khichdi at home and feed the needy.

Donation of Clothes and Blankets

During winter, donating blankets, sweaters, shawls, and warm clothes to the needy counts as a noble deed. Donated clothes not only protect people from the cold but also bring smiles to their faces. This charity also strengthens the donor’s sense of service and compassion.

Example:
You can donate old but clean and well-maintained clothes to those in need. If you have extra blankets, distribute them among people living in the cold. You can also donate clothes and blankets at orphanages or old-age homes. A woman who distributes blankets at an orphanage every year as part of her Makar Sankranti tradition says this act has become the greatest spiritual ritual for her family.

Metal Utensils

Donating utensils made of copper, brass, silver, or gold symbolizes prosperity and auspiciousness. This act enhances positive energy and brings peace and harmony to the home. Copper and brass utensils also provide health benefits.

Example:
You can donate a small copper or brass bowl or glass along with food. People still follow the tradition of gifting metal utensils during weddings and auspicious occasions. When you donate utensils along with food to a needy family, they find daily use for them, making the gift practical and meaningful.

Cow Donation (Gau Daan)

Hinduism regards cow donation as the highest meritorious act. Devotees give the cow the status of a mother, and sacred texts describe the importance of Gau Daan. If donating a cow is not possible, donating fodder, jaggery, or money to a cowshed also brings great merit. Cow donation destroys sins and blesses the soul with progress toward liberation.

Example:
If you cannot visit a cowshed, you can send fodder, jaggery, or a donation amount through a local organization. Many families visit cowsheds on Makar Sankranti to feed cows jaggery and fodder. Some people also participate in cow service by contributing funds for community meals.

Importance of Charity on Makar Sankranti

Hinduism considers charity the greatest virtuous act. People regard the Sun’s entry into Uttarayan on Makar Sankranti as extremely auspicious. Charity performed during this time yields multiplied results. This festival symbolizes self-purification and service and inspires people to help others and express gratitude.

What You Should Not Donate

• Do not donate torn clothes, broken utensils, or incomplete items. People consider these items symbols of impurity and misfortune.
• Avoid donating worn-out clothes or useless items. Always donate clean and usable items so that the needy can benefit properly.
• Avoid donating meat, alcohol, and tamasic food on Makar Sankranti. This festival represents purity and sattvic qualities, so donate only pure and sattvic items.
• According to some beliefs, donating white rice and white clothes does not bring auspicious results because these items associate with the Moon and oppose the Sun’s energy.
• Do not donate black-colored clothes or objects because people consider them symbols of negativity and inauspiciousness.
• Avoid donating iron items. People consider donating copper and brass items more auspicious instead.

Rules and Method of Donation

Ensure that donated items remain clean and useful. Always donate with respect and sincere devotion. Taking a bath in the Ganga or any sacred water before donating increases its significance manifold. Donate to the needy and complete this auspicious act with gratitude and a spirit of service.

Spiritual Benefits of Donation on Makar Sankranti

Worship and charity performed on Makar Sankranti purify the soul and fill the mind with peace and joy. This festival strengthens a person not only materially but also spiritually. Charity performed with the right intention boosts morale and promotes positivity.