Makar Sankranti 2026 Special: What to Donate and What to Avoid During Sankranti

Balasahana Suresh
Makar Sankranti, celebrated across india on January 14 or 15, marks the harvest festival and the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara). Beyond festive foods, decorations, and rituals, donating to the needy is considered highly auspicious during this festival. Giving back during sankranti is believed to bring prosperity, blessings, and spiritual merit. However, certain items are more suitable than others, while some should be avoided.

What to Donate on Makar Sankranti

1. Grains and Cereals

  • Rice, wheat, and other grains symbolize nourishment and abundance.
  • Donating these ensures that the poor and needy have enough food and is considered highly meritorious.
2. Sugar, Jaggery, and Sesame Seeds

  • These ingredients are integral to sankranti sweets like Til-Gul Ladoo.
  • Donating sugar, jaggery, or sesame seeds to charitable organizations or homes spreads sweetness and goodwill.
3. Clothing and Blankets

  • Warm clothing, sweaters, blankets, and shawls are especially useful in winter.
  • Giving clothes to the underprivileged or orphanages fulfills the sankranti spirit of sharing warmth and comfort.
4. Food and Cooked Meals

  • Offering cooked meals, fruits, or sweets at community centers, temples, or directly to the needy is highly appreciated.
  • Ensure the food is fresh and hygienically prepared.
5. Money or gift Packs

  • Small monetary donations or pre-packaged essentials help charitable organizations distribute according to need.
  • This is practical and ensures your contribution reaches more people effectively.
What to Avoid Donating on Sankranti

1. Perishable or Spoiled Items

  • Avoid donating items that can spoil quickly or are past their expiry date.
  • Donating rotten or stale items is considered disrespectful and inauspicious.
2. Non-Essential Luxury Items

  • Sankranti donations are meant to help the needy.
  • Expensive or luxury items that are not practical for daily use may not serve the intended purpose.
3. Harmful or Non-Edible Items

  • Avoid donating chemicals, alcohol, tobacco, or unhealthy snacks.
  • Such items are not suitable for charitable giving and can even cause harm.
4. Incomplete or Broken Items

  • Broken utensils, torn clothes, or non-functional appliances should be avoided.
  • Giving usable and complete items is considered respectful and meaningful.
Tips for Meaningful sankranti Donations

  • Give with a pure heart: The intention behind the donation matters more than the item.
  • Prioritize essentials: Food, grains, and clothing are always appreciated.
  • Check local needs: Visit nearby shelters, old-age homes, or NGOs to know what is needed most.
  • Timing matters: Donate during sankranti morning or early day, considered most auspicious.
Conclusion

Makar sankranti is a festival of gratitude, sharing, and new beginnings. Thoughtful donations not only help those in need but also bring blessings and positive energy to your home. By choosing the right items to donate and avoiding unsuitable ones, you honor both tradition and the spirit of giving.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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