Your Ultimate Bucket List for Lohri, Makar Sankranti and Pongal 2026 Festivities Across India

Remember Shah Rukh Khan's iconic Lohri dance in Veer Zaara or the breathtaking kite-flying sequences in Kai Po Che that gave us major festive FOMO? Well, it's time to live those moments IRL! From bonfire vibes straight out of Bollywood to those heartwarming Pongal celebrations that South cinema portrays so beautifully with banana leaf feasts and traditional rituals, the harvest season is here with all its colorful, delicious glory.

Whether you're flying kites on Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront, catching rooftop sundowners in Old Delhi, vibing to Punjabi beats in Chandigarh, diving into authentic thalis in Mumbai and Bengaluru, or experiencing Tamil traditions at Chennai's cultural extravaganzas, this festival season promises unforgettable memories. From Pune's family-friendly kite festivals to Bhopal's open-air celebrations, we've curated the ultimate guide that covers everything.

Whether you're team kites, team food, team cultural performances, or team "let's do it all", we've got your ultimate festival bucket list ready. So grab your gang and let's celebrate!

Ahmedabad

International Kite Festival 2026

What is better than a global celebration bringing kite flyers from 50 countries! This spectacular festival features giant kites, cultural performances, traditional food, and the famous Uttarayan celebrations at Sabarmati Riverfront. So, get ready to witness the sky transform into a colorful canvas with your gang!

When: Jan 13-17, 2026 

Where: Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 

Price: Free

Ahmedabad Heritage Kite Museum - Experiential Zone

What is better than exploring India's first kite museum with 125+ unique kites! This fascinating museum housed in Le Corbusier's Sanskar Kendra displays mirror-embroidered kites, Japanese kites, block prints, and kites dating back to 200 BC. So, get ready to discover the rich heritage of kite flying with your gang!

Date: January 12-17, 2026, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Venue: Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad. 

Price: Rs. 50

Delhi

The Old Delhi Sundowner - Kite Flying & High Tea

What is better than flying kites on a historic haveli rooftop with stunning Old Delhi views! This experience pairs traditional kite flying with a lavish 3-course high tea at the beautifully restored 200-year-old Haveli Dharampura. So, get ready to enjoy breathtaking views and festive vibes with your gang!

When: Januaru 13-19, 2026

Venue: Haveli Dharampura, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.

Price: Rs. 2500 upwards

EOD Lohri Fest

What is better than celebrating the warmth of Lohri with Punjabi vibes and adventure! This festive evening features music, cultural celebrations, traditional bonfire, and high-energy experiences in a vibrant setting. So, get ready to enjoy laughter, dance and togetherness with your gang!

When: January 13-14, 2026

Where: E-O-D Adventure Park, Sanjay Lake, Delhi. 

Price: Rs. 199 upwards

Chandigarh

Lohri at The LaLiT Chandigarh

Celebrate Lohri with a grand Punjabi feast and a traditional bonfire at The LaLiT Chandigarh. The festive dinner features Sarson Ka Saag, Dal Baluchi, Punjabi Mutton Curry, Masala Fish Curry, festive sweets, and a rustic alfresco setting complete with live sigris.

When: January 13, 2026

Where: 24/7, The LaLiT Chandigarh

Price: Rs. 2200 upwards

Mumbai 

Ral Gavaan

Myna Academy of Performing Arts is going to host  Ral Gavaan where Radhika Sood Nayak, a Punjab-born Mumbai resident, will perform at this community sing-along, to celebrate Lohri. Get ready for Sundar Mundariye, Lohri ke Tappe, Hulle Ni Maaye Hulle for new brides, and Til Chauliye Ni and more here!

When: January 11, 2026

Where: Myna Academy of Performing Arts, 9th floor, Embassy Chambers, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West. 

Price: Rs. 750

Harvest Festivities at Peshwa Pavilion

ITC Maratha’s Peshwa Pavilion brings Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal together through a festive buffet paired with seasonal décor and live music. The spread includes Sarson Ka Saag with Makki ki Roti, Baingan Ka Bharta, Pindhi Chole, Undhiyu, Makara Chaula, Pongal, Gajak, Til Laddu, Reweri, and Payasam.

When: January 13 for dinner and January 14 for lunch

Where: Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, Mumbai

Price: Rs. 2,600 per person

Pongal Special Thali at Dakshin

Dakshin at ITC Grand Central celebrates Pongal with an authentic South Indian thali rooted in Tamil culinary traditions. The spread features Appalam, chutneys, Rasam, Ennippu Paniyaram, Makka Cholai Vadai, Ven Pongal, regional curries, steamed rice, veechu paratha, appam, curd, and Sarkarai Pongal, finished with traditional filter coffee.

When: January 10 – 18, 2026

Where: Dakshin, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai

Price: Rs. 3,750 upwards

Pongal at The Tanjore Tiffin Room

Celebrating the harvest with warmth and familiarity, The Tanjore Tiffin Room’s Pongal Thali brings home-style Tamil flavours to the table. Expect a comforting spread featuring Ven Pongal, mini bondas, kaikari kootu, porial, sambhar, avial, rasam, buttermilk, crisp papad, and elaichi banana. The meal ends on a festive note with Chakkara Pongal and tangy puli inji.

Date: January 14-16, 2026

Where: The Tanjore Tiffin Room, All Branches in Mumbai

Price: Rs. 1,200 upwards

Kai Po Che at Someplace Else

Makar Sankranti goes nocturnal with Kai Po Che, a high-energy bar night where festive vibes meet party mode. Think neon lights, colourful fits, Bollywood bangers, and cocktails flowing till late — swapping kites for dance floors in true celebratory spirit.

When: January 17-18, 2026

Where: Someplace Else, Level 2, Jio World Drive, BKC, Mumbai

Price: Free

Pune

Kites Festival - Sky Full of Kites

What is better than filling the sky with vibrant, colorful kites during Sankranti! This family-friendly celebration features stage acts, workshops, DIY kite making, bouncy castles, food stalls, and entertainment zones. So, get ready to celebrate tradition and joy with your gang!

When: January 18, 2026

Where: The Poona Western Club, Pune. 

Price: Rs. 450 upwards

Bhopal

Amante Presents: Makar Sankranti Open-Air Kite Festival

What is better than an open-air celebration combining tradition with festive vibes! This Makar Sankranti event features a kite flying competition, live music, and premium food. The winner takes home a free couple dinner with drinks. So, get ready to fly kites under open skies with your gang!

When: January 14, 2026 

Where: Amante, Gulmohar Colony, Bhopal. 

Price: Rs. 999

Bengaluru 

Lohri at LOHRI

LOHRI brings Punjab’s winter kitchens to life with bold flavours and festive indulgence. The menu includes festive drinks like Peeli Phasal and Mirchi te Ganna da Ras, mains such as Sarson da Gosht, Murgh Lababdar, Khoya Mutter Makhana, Makki da Shorba, Paya Shorba, and desserts like Atte ka Halwa and Gajar ka Halwa.

Date: January 9 – 18, 2026

Where: LOHRI, Trinity Circle, Bengaluru

Price: Depending on menu and food choices

Pongal Utsavam 

What is better than a soulful South Indian feast celebrating the harvest season! This thoughtfully curated dining experience features Ven Pongal, Medu Vadai, Kuzhi Paniyaram, regional curries, and festive Sakkarai Pongal. So, get ready to savour tradition and togetherness with your gang!

When: January 13-14, 2026

Where: The Square - Novotel Bengaluru, Marathahalli, Bengaluru. 

Price: Rs.1,650 upwards

Pongal Lunch at The Verandah

The Verandah at Grand Mercure Bangalore brings the comfort of a home-style Pongal feast to travellers and city diners alike. The festive buffet includes Khara Pongal, Mango Chitranna, Avial, Surrakkai Kootu, Avarekai Palya, Palak Pappu, Cabbage Poriyal, Kosimbiri, and Dahi Vada, followed by Sweet Pongal, Badami Semiya Payasam, Elaneer Payasam, Mysore Pak, and Jaggery Coconut Burfi.

When: January 14-15, 2026

Where: The Verandah, Grand Mercure Bangalore, Koramangala

Price: Rs. 1,950

Makar Sankranti at Kalpaney

Kalpaney’s two-day Sankranti menu is a quiet, seasonal celebration of harvest flavours across India. Highlights include Avarakkai Usili Hummus Crisp, Jackfruit and Waterchestnut Dumplings, Black Sesame Tandoori Cauliflower, Sarso ka Saag with Makki ki Roti, Kadala Curry with Bajra Khichdi, Avarakkai Pulao, and desserts like Cane and Ginger Sorbet and Dates and Nuts Holige with Coconut Milk.

When: January 14-15, 2026

Where: Kalpaney, JP Nagar, Bengaluru

Price: Rs. 1,600

Lohri at LOYA

LOYA at Taj West End Bengaluru celebrates Lohri through refined winter classics designed for shared tables. The menu features Til Bhutte ke Kebab, Surkh Kunna Gosht, Sarson ka Saag, Peppay Wale Chole, Dhaniya Mirch ka Kukkad, and desserts like Gajrela and Kulfi Falooda for a slow, elegant festive meal.

When: January 10 – 15, 2025

Where: LOYA, Taj West End, Bengaluru

Price: Rs. 4,500

Pongal at JW Kitchen

JW Kitchen at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru brings the harvest festival to life with a traditional Pongal lunch and dinner. The spread includes Arisi Paruppu Sadam, Avial, Snake Gourd Kootu, Mochai Kuzhambu, Mor Kuzhambu, Thayir Sadam, Medu Vadai, Kara Paniyaram, Sakkarai Pongal, and Elaneer Payasam.

When: January 14, 2026

Where: JW Kitchen, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru

Price: Lunch: Rs. 2,750, Dinner: Rs. 3,250

Chennai

Chennai Sangamam - Kathipara Junction

What is better than a grand cultural festival celebrating Tamil traditions and heritage! This vibrant celebration features over 2,000 artists, 100+ food stalls with regional cuisines, and traditional art and craft displays. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Pongal with your gang!

When: January 15-18, 2026 

Where: Kathipara Urban Square, Chennai. 

Price: Free

Helicopter Pongal Cultural Fest Night 2026

What is better than a cultural extravaganza set against a helicopter backdrop! This unique celebration includes cinematic dance performances, DJ night, fire dance, world record karagam performance, and complimentary dinner with selfie opportunities next to a real helicopter. So, get ready for an unforgettable Pongal evening with your gang!

When: January 15-17, 2026

Where: Aerodon Heli Station, ECR Kovalam, Chennai. 

Price: Rs. 499

Uzhavar Virundhu - A Pongal Feast

What is better than an authentic South Indian harvest feast honouring farmers! This traditional banana-leaf meal features time-honoured recipes, seasonal flavours, and festive Pongal preparations in an elegant setting. So, get ready to celebrate tradition, taste, and togetherness with your gang!

When: January, 14-18, 2026

Where: Navaratna - Le Royal Meridien, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai. 

Price: Rs. 1,782

Pongalo Pongal – Food Festival

What is better than a food festival inspired by Tamil Nadu's culinary traditions! This celebration showcases authentic flavours, festive favourites, and time-honoured recipes in a culturally inspired ambience. So, get ready to indulge in the festive environment with your gang!

When: January 14-18, 2026

Where: Food Exchange, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road, Nandanam, Chennai. 

Price: Rs. 2,300 upwards