Which Color to Wear on Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated across India with different traditions. During this time, the Sun transitions into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn), signaling the end of the winter solstice. The festival is also associated with agricultural prosperity with many communities celebrating the harvest season. The festival is known by different names: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Lohri in Punjab. People also fly kites, make traditional foods, and most importantly wear vibrant clothes. 

But the question arises: which color to wear on Makar Sankranti? Clothing plays a vital role during the festival, reflecting the culture, traditions and seasonal significance. Every color holds a special meaning, influencing energy, mood and spirituality during the celebrations. So, the outfit you choose is not just an aesthetic and is deeply rooted in the spirituality of the festival. 

Colors to Wear on Makar Sankranti: A Complete Palette

Yellow:
Yellow is the most classic color, for the Makar Sankranti dress code. It symbolises positivity, energy and abundance. It is believed that yellow attracts the Sun God’s blessings; a deity who is typically associated with the celebrations. People wear yellow sarees, kurtas and salwar suits, often accompanied by gold and floral accessories to represent reverence and joy. Foods like tilgul (sweets made of sesame) are also served in yellow-golden shades, throwing more light on the cultural importance of the color on the festival. 

Green:
This color represents growth, renewal and prosperity, much like the agricultural origins of Makar Sankranti. A green Makar Sankranti traditional dress is usually inspired by the lush green farms during the harvest season. By wearing green clothes, such as sarees, lehengas and kurta sets, you symbolise the welcoming of new beginnings and blessings for the upcoming year. 

Red and White:
Red represents energy, celebration and spirituality, and white signifies peace and purity. The combo is often seen in ritualistic settings, with women wearing red sarees with white borders or a red dupatta on a white anarkali. The colors are also often popular while making offerings to the deities, making them an important part of the Sankranti celebrations. 

Why do We Wear Black on Makar Sankranti?

You might have noticed that during weddings and other festivals wearing black is considered inauspicious. So why do we wear black on Makar Sankranti? The color has great seasonal relevance. Since we celebrate it during winter, black is considered an ideal choice to help retain warmth. 

To elaborate: since Makar Sankranti falls around mid-January, many parts of India are in the midst of cold weather. Black absorbs and retains heat, and provides some comfort during the chilly mornings and evenings of the festival, emphasizing the importance of black color in Makar Sankranti. 

Black sarees for Makar Sankranti are a popular choice in Maharashtra. Festive black Paithani sarees, with colorful borders and intricate motifs: a blend of practicality and elegance. Women pair these sarees and traditional jewelry and ornate accessories to add a celebratory touch. 

In some places, black is seen as a protective color, worn to drive away negativity. During Makar Sankranti, black transitions into a celebratory shade, breaking stereotypes and showcasing cultural versatility. 

Sankranti Dress Code: Regional Variations

Since the festival is celebrated all over India, each part of the country has different color and traditions. Sankranti dress codes vary from state to state, so let’s take a look at the various ways in which Makar Sankranti is celebrated through clothes: 

North India: Traditional Kurtas and Sarees in Bright Colors
In North India, Makar Sankranti outfits are a blend of traditional kurtas, sarees and salwar suits, in bright colors like yellow, red and orange, which are considered auspicious. Women often wear embroidered dupattas with their salwar suits, and men wear dhoti-kurtas and turbans in vibrant colors. The focus is mostly on the blend of simplicity and cultural elegance.

Maharashtra: Black Sarees and their Unique Significance.
The tradition of wearing black Paithani or Nauvari sarees is very popular. Women wear green bangles, and gold jewelry for a festive yet culturally rich ensemble, holding haldi-kumkum ceremonies with their friends and family to celebrate the festival. 

South India: Pattu Sarees in Vibrant Hues. 
South India celebrates Pongal with Kanjeevaram and Pattu sarees in bright shades like orange, pink and gold. These silk sarees, which often have intricate zari work with temple motifs, reflect the festival’s grandeur. Men, on the other hand, silk dhotis, paired with angavastrams, which make for a regal, festive appearance. 

East India: Dhoti-Kurta Combinations with Regional Variations.
In Eastern India, men like to wear the traditional dhoti-kurta combinations made of cotton. Women’s Sankranti dress code comprises sarees with bold prints, made of delicate fabrics like tussar and handloom varieties. The colors typically include white, red and yellow, aligning with the festival’s spiritual themes. 

West India: Ghagra-Choli Styles and Embroidery Traditions.
In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, Makar Sankranti traditional dresses feature colorful ghagra-choli ensembles with intricate embroidery and mirror work. The outfit reflects a celebratory spirit, particularly during the kite-flying festivities. Men wear the traditional kediyu, which is a type of jacket, and dhoti or chorno (loose trousers). They complete the look with colorful turbans. 

Styling Black Sarees for Makar Sankranti

Embracing Black Traditionally and Stylishly:
Black sarees have a timeless appeal. During Makar Sankranti, they carry a special meaning, especially in regions like Maharashtra. Traditional Paithani or Nauvrai black sarees are perfect for staying rooted in cultural heritage.
If you are thinking of wearing a black saree for Makar Sankranti, go for one that has intricate zari borders, peacock motifs or floral patterns, that reflect the festival’s celebratory essence. For a more understated, traditional look, choose a black saree with golden butis (floral embroideries) or threadwork. 

Here are some tips on how you can accessorise the black sarees for the festival: 

• Jewelry: 

• Traditional Choices: Gold Jewelry, such as jhumkas, necklaces, and bangles, often complements the black sarees. Married women often wear mangalsutras and green glass bangles to pair with their black sarees during Sankranti. 

• Contemporary Additions: Try wearing statement chokers, layered necklaces or oxidised silver jewelry and give your Sankranti dress code a modern twist!  

• Hairstyles: 

• A traditional low bun, decorated with jasmine flowers, or a gajra, is a classic, elegant choice for the festival. 

• For a modern touch, try styling your hair in soft waves, or a sleek ponytail with decorative hairpins. 

• Makeup: 

• Bold eyes with black kajal and a touch of highlighter pair well with these black sarees and enhance their festive appeal. Add a red or maroon bindi for a traditional finish. 

• Footwear and Bags: 

• Choose embellished juttis, kolhapuri sandals or heeled mojris for footwear. 

• Pair the saree with a potli or a clutch bag that features mirror work, or golden embroidery. 

Modern and Fusion Takes on Black Saree Styling: 

• Pair the traditional black saree with a crop-top blouse, that has modern designs like cape sleeves or ruffles. 

• You could also add a waist belt or a kamarbandh, to accentuate the saree drape to create a contemporary silhouette. 

• Use unconventional draping styles, like the pant-style or dhoti drape for a modern look. 

• Layer the saree; a long embroidered jacket or a shrug will be a great fusion-inspired outfit. 

• Accessorise the outfit with tassel earrings and stiletto heels for an edgy and party-ready look. 
  
  

  

Importance of Black Color in Makar Sankranti

Traditional Beliefs and Changing Perspectives:
Historically, many Hindu rituals have avoided black as it is associated with negativity. During Makar Sankranti, however, the color gets a unique cultural significance. It's a practical color, as it retains warmth in the cold winter months. Additionally, it marks a shift from the usual perception of the color, allowing for a more celebratory use. 

Connections to Specific Rituals and Celebrations: 

• In Maharashtra, black sarees are often worn during the haldi-kumkum ceremonies. These ceremonies foster a sense of community, encouraging a forging of bonds and symbolising goodwill among women. 

• Black also represents the harvest season’s end and the change to longer and warmer days. It also symbolises protection, warding off the harshness of winters.

• Wearing black is often accompanied by colorful embellishments, which symbolise a balance between practicality and festivity. 

Modern Acceptance in Festive Attire:
In today’s fashion trends, black has become very popular in festive fashion, thanks to its versatility. Many famous designers are incorporating it into their Sankranti collections with intricate embroidery, sequins and modern cuts. So, the color is no longer a taboo, but a statement of sophistication and elegance. 

Makar Sankranti Traditional Dresses

For Women: 

• Sarees: 

• Traditional Styles: Choose Paithani sarees with black sarees or Nauvari sarees with intricate zari work. Go for vibrant shades like yellow, green and red, especially if you are wearing silk sarees like Kanjeevaram or Banarasi. 

• Embellishments: Look for mirror work, embroidered borders, or golden zari motifs to enhance the festive look more. 

• Lehengas: 

• Vibrant lehengas with brocade or mirror-work cholis are a great choice for young women. Pair them with a dupatta in complementary tones for added elegance. 

• Salwar Suits: 

• Anarkali suits with zari or sequin work are perfect for the occasion. Try a straight-cut salwar suit in festive colors like maroon or mustard yellow, for a comfortable and stylish look. 

For Men: 

• Kurtas and Dhotis: 

• Silk or cotton kurtas in bright colors like yellow, orange and red are often paired with plain or embroidered dhotis. Add a dupatta or angavastram for a traditional touch. 

• Sherwanis: 

• Sherwanis that have neutral or earthly tones and light embroidery are the best choice for an evening gathering. 

• Modern Suggestions: 

• Pair plain kurtas with printed Nehru jackets or experiment with asymmetrical hemlines and contemporary designs. 
  
  

  

For Kids

• Girls: 

• Vibrant lehenga-cholis with light embellishment or Indo-Western dresses in soft fabrics will give both comfort and style. 

• Boys:

• Dhoti-Kurta sets, in cotton or silk with minimal embroidery are perfect for young boys. Add a jacket or a colorful stole to complete the festive look. 

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti is the perfect combination of tradition and modernity, through clothes, rituals and colors. Black sarees are of great significance at this time, and outfits in vibrant colors reflect gratitude, joy and community. So, it doesn’t matter if you choose traditional choices like the Paithani saree or modern, fusion clothes, you will always embrace the cultural and symbolic aspects of the festival. With inclusivity and innovation, Makar Sankranti will always evolve, and bridge the past and present beautifully. 

To help you choose the best outfits for the festival, Suvidha Fashions is the only place where you will get a wide range of choices to look at. Red, yellow, green, white and black: we have an extensive collection of Makar Sankranti traditional dresses for the occasion. 

So you can say goodbye to the question that has been troubling you: which color to wear on Makar Sankranti, and come to Suvidha Fashions, because you will find all the answers, right here!