Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Muhurat, Traditional Recipes, and Celebration Ideas for Hindus in the UAE

Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Muhurat, Traditional Recipes, and Celebration Ideas for Hindus in the UAE

Makar Sankranti, the auspicious harvest festival marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn and the start of Uttarayan, brings joy, gratitude, and community warmth to Hindu expatriates in the UAE. Celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, this solar festival heralds longer days and spiritual renewal—perfectly suited to the UAE’s pleasant winter weather for temple visits, outdoor gatherings, home-cooked til-gur delicacies, and family-oriented events.

For Hindus in the UAE—primarily from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and North India—Makar Sankranti (known as Pongal, Uttarayan, or Sankranti) is a highlight: grand temple celebrations, cultural programs, kite-flying in open spaces, and potlucks blending regional flavours.

Makar Sankranti 2026 Date and Auspicious Timings

• Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Sankranti Moment: Varies slightly by emirate (typically mid-morning GST; check local panchang)
• Punya Kaal Muhurat: Ideal for rituals; timings adjust to Gulf Standard Time—use apps or www.hindutone.com for precise Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah calculations (generally daytime hours post-sunrise)

These muhurats shift minimally—consult DrikPanchang or temple announcements for accurate local timings.

Spiritual Significance for UAE Hindus Makar Sankranti symbolises light overcoming darkness, with Uttarayan representing hope, growth, and divine blessings. It’s a cherished occasion for Surya puja, daan (charity), and strengthening family ties—helping maintain cultural roots for families and children in the expatriate community.

Regional Celebrations Adapted in the UAE Communities celebrate based on heritage:

• Tamil (Pongal) → Four-day harvest festival with sweet/savory Pongal, kolam, and thanksgiving rituals.
• Gujarati/Rajasthani (Uttarayan) → Kite-flying sessions and til-gur exchange (“Tilgul ghya, god god bola”).
• South/North Indian → Khichdi offerings and harvest prayers.

Popular UAE Locations for Makar Sankranti/Pongal 2026 Events Temples host elaborate pujas, cultural shows, and feasts—check temple websites, WhatsApp groups, or social media for updates.

1. Dubai
   • Vibrant expat hub.
   • Key spots: Shri Krishna Haveli (Bur Dubai) – grand Uttarayan celebrations; Dubai Pongal Vizha at community halls or parks – live Pongal cooking, kolam contests, music, and dance; Shiva Temple (Jebel Ali) – family events.
2. Abu Dhabi
   • Growing Hindu community.
   • BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – spectacular Pongal/Uttarayan programs with prasad, cultural performances, and kite-flying in open areas.
3. Sharjah & Northern Emirates
   • Sharjah Hindu Temple – Pongal pujas and community gatherings; local halls for regional events.

Traditional Recipes Easy for UAE Homes Til and gur are readily available at Indian supermarkets like Lulu or Al Maya.

1. Til Ladoo — Roast sesame seeds, blend with melted jaggery for quick energy balls.
2. Sweet Pongal — Rice, lentils, jaggery—simple in an Instant Pot.
3. Til Chikki — Sesame brittle, ideal for sharing.
4. Khichdi — Comforting rice-lentil dish with ghee.

Celebration Ideas for Hindus in the UAE

• Home Rituals: Morning bath, Surya arghya (offer water at sunrise), puja with sesame and flowers.
• Outdoor Fun: Kite-flying in parks, beaches (e.g., Kite Beach, Dubai), or community grounds—winter weather is perfect!
• Community & Charity: Temple visits, donate food/clothes to labour camps or charities in the spirit of daan.
• Family Activities: Virtual calls during muhurat, wear bright ethnic attire, teach children festival stories.
• Eco-Friendly: Paper kites, minimal waste at gatherings.

Makar Sankranti 2026 unites UAE Hindus in gratitude and celebration, blending devotion with the emirates’ cosmopolitan vibe. Whether soaring kites under clear skies or joining temple festivities, embrace prosperity and joyful connections!

For city-specific events, timings, and expat-friendly guides, visit www.hindutone.com—your trusted resource for Hindu traditions in the UAE.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2026! Tilgul ghya, god god bola! Pongalo Pongal! May Surya Dev shower your family with health, success, and happiness.

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