Intro: Festival Significance
Makar Sankranti celebrations India mark the sun’s northward journey and the official start of the harvest season. Paired in the north with the bonfire-night of the Lohri festival India, these harvest festivals celebrate community, gratitude, and abundance. Rich in symbolism and food, both Makar Sankranti and Lohri bring families together to sing, dance, share sweets made from sesame and jaggery, and honour agricultural cycles a living example of Indian harvest traditions that have shaped local culture for centuries. If you want authentic festival immersion, nothing beats joining local rituals and regional fairs and Kesari’s expert-led tours make this possible with comfort and cultural depth.
Regional customs and celebrations
Punjab: Lohri and Sankranti – warmth, devotion and feasting
In Punjab, Lohri festival India is the heart of winter celebrations and closely linked with Makar Sankranti observances. Families gather around bonfires, throw sesame (til), popcorn and rewri into flames, sing folk songs, and honour new harvests and newborns. During these days you can also visit the Golden Temple for special prayers and hear kirtans that amplify the devotional energy. Kesari’s Amritsar itinerary (Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah) places you in the centre of these communal moments perfect for those who want to experience Makar Sankranti celebrations India alongside the Lohri warmth of Punjab.
(Here the focus of Punjab is to feel both devotional and agrarian temple darshans, community bonfires, Punjabi cuisine and the famous Attari-Wagah flag ceremony all add local colour to Makar Sankranti celebrations India.)
Rajasthan: Royal kite skies, fairs and desert culture
Rajasthan celebrates the harvest season with open skies, kite-flying, and folk fairs. Rooftops in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur come alive as families and communities fly kites, exchange sweets, and attend cultural shows. Kesari’s Rajasthan tours (Jaipur → Bundi → Kota → Udaipur → Jaisalmer) let you witness palace illuminations, desert performances, and regional markets — ideal for travellers who want to see how Makar Sankranti celebrations India take a royal, colourful form in the desert states. Traditional sweets like ghevar and til laddoo add authentic taste to the cultural scene.
(As you travel Rajasthan with Kesari you will experience Makar Sankranti celebrations India where heritage and harvest meet from city palaces to sand-dune festivities.)
Gujarat: The kite-flying capital and community feasts
Gujarat is synonymous with sky-filled kites and the grand Uttarayan festivities. Ahmedabad’s International Kite Festival is a global draw; villages in Kutch, Bhuj and Mandvi celebrate with handicrafts, music, and food. Kesari’s Gujarat itineraries include Ahmedabad, Bhuj and the Rann giving you front-row access to the most energetic Makar Sankranti celebrations India. Taste undhiyu, chikki and jalebi-fafda, join community kite sessions, and visit sacred sites like Dwarka and Somnath to blend devotion with jubilant harvest customs.
(You’ll see Makar Sankranti celebrations India in their most kaleidoscopic form in Gujarat vibrant skies, folk craft bazaars and regional cuisine.)
Experience festivals with Kesari
- Expert local guides: Understand the meaning behind rituals, songs and seasonal foods so your experience of Makar Sankranti celebrations India is contextual and respectful.
- Handpicked stays: Hotels near celebration hubs (Golden Temple in Amritsar, heritage hotels in Jaipur/Udaipur, city-centre hotels in Ahmedabad) make festival access and comfort simple.
- Curated festival events: Kesari arranges local cultural evenings, folk performances, and village visits so you can taste true Indian harvest traditions instead of only observing.
- Senior- and family-friendly planning: Comfortable pace, accessible sightseeing, and meal options (vegetarian/Jain) ensure that all travellers can enjoy Makar Sankranti celebrations India.
- Women’s Special Tours (MFL): Enjoy a stress-free and specially curated trip focused on safety, camaraderie, and exclusive itineraries tailored for solo female travellers or women’s groups.
- Flexible Joining & Leaving: Start your tour on Day 1 from a destination of your choice and leave the tour early at a designated city, allowing you to customize your start and end date.
Rajasthan – Royal Festivities & Colourful Sankranti Celebrations
Kesari’s Rajasthan journeys offer grand heritage, colourful vibes and festive traditions.
What you will experience:
- Delhi Agra Jaipur with Joining & Leaving: Discover the magnificent Golden Triangle, blending Mughal history with Rajasthani royalty.
- Jaipur Bundi Kota Udaipur with Joining & Leaving: A journey through Eastern Rajasthan, featuring the Pink City’s forts and the unique Stepwells of Bundi.
- Rajasthan Marwad with Joining & Leaving & Women’s Special Tour: Explore the rugged, historic heart of Marwad, dominated by cities like Jodhpur and Jaisalmaer.
- Rajasthan Mewad Marwad with Joining & Leaving: A comprehensive tour combining the lakes and palaces of Mewad with the desert fortresses of Marwad.
- Rajasthan Mewad With Mt. Abu with Joining & Leaving: Serene lakes and palaces of Mewad capped with a relaxing retreat to the cool hill station of Mount Abu.
- Rajasthan Mewad With Tiger Reserve with Joining & Leaving: Witness the royal history of Mewad alongside an exciting wildlife safari adventure.
- Rajasthan Premium with Joining & Leaving: An exclusive itinerary featuring luxury stays and bespoke experiences across the best of the state.
- Udaipur Kumbhalgarh:Focus on the historic Mewar region, exploring the romantic lakes of Udaipur and the massive, impressive wall of Kumbhalgarh Fort.
- Rajasthan Mewad with Joining Leaving & Women’s Special Tour: Delve deep into the culture and history of the Mewad region, centred around the elegant City of Lakes.
Gujarat – Uttarayan, Kite Festivals & Cultural Experiences
Kesari’s Gujarat journeys offer the most energetic and lively festive atmosphere.
What you will experience:
- Gujarat Rann Utsav & Women’s Special Tour: Witness the magical transformation of the Great Rann of Kutch into a breathtaking, shimmering white desert festival.
- Gujrat Chota Break: A refreshing short break getaway designed to showcase a core regional highlight of Gujarat.
- Saurashtra With Statue Of Unity: A comprehensive circuit covering the major pilgrimage sites of Saurashtra, crowned by a visit to the Statue of Unity.
- Shri Krishna Charitra Yatra: An immersive spiritual pilgrimage tracing the footsteps and historical sites associated with Lord Krishna.
- Statue Of Unity With Ahmedabad & Women’s Special Tour: Stand beneath the world’s tallest statue and explore Ahmedabad’s UNESCO-listed heritage and Gandhi’s legacy.
- Statue Of Unity With Science City: An educational tour that pairs the massive Statue of Unity with Gujarat’s cutting-edge science and discovery centres.
Festive Experiences You Can Enjoy with Kesari
Punjab – Celebrate Lohri & Sankranti with Authentic Punjabi Traditions
Kesari’s Punjab journeys bring you the perfect mix of culture, heritage and festive warmth.
What you will experience:
- Amritsar: Experience the sublime beauty and spiritual serenity of the Golden Temple and witness the patriotic fervour of the Wagah Border ceremony.
- Golden Temple darshan surrounded by peace, devotion and spiritual ambience.
- Historical landmarks such as Jallianwala Bagh & the Partition Museum
- The powerful and patriotic Wagah Border ceremony
- Traditional Punjabi village experience at Sadda Pind
- Opportunity to join bonfires with folk songs & dance
- Taste festive favourites like rewri, gajak, til sweets & sarson da saag
- Explore colourful Amritsar markets for phulkari, juttis & handicrafts
FAQs
Q1: Why are festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti important in India?
These festivals mark the beginning of the harvest season and are celebrated to express gratitude, share joy with communities, and honour seasonal transitions.
Q2: What are the common traditions followed during these festivals?
People light bonfires, fly kites, visit temples, prepare sweets made from sesame and jaggery, wear traditional attire, and celebrate with family and friends.
Q3: Is it suitable to travel during festival time?
Yes, festival travel offers vibrant cultural experiences, unique food, traditional performances, and a chance to see India’s rich heritage in action.
Q4: Do different states celebrate these festivals differently?
Yes, each region has its own customs Punjab celebrates with bonfires and folk songs, Rajasthan with colourful kites and cultural shows, and Gujarat with the grand Uttarayan festival.
Q5: Can families and senior travellers enjoy festival trips comfortably?
Absolutely. With proper planning, comfortable stays, and guided experiences, festival travel is enjoyable for all age groups.
Celebrate the joy of Lohri and Makar Sankranti with unforgettable cultural moments, festive flavours and regional traditions.
Join Kesari to experience India’s harvest festivals the authentic way vibrant, colourful and full of life.
Book your festive journey today and make your celebrations truly memorable with Kesari Tours.