Makar Sankranti, typically celebrated annually on 14 January, marks a significant shift in the Hindu calendar as the sun begins its northward journey. Across India, the festival symbolises renewal, optimism, and the promise of fresh beginnings. Families come together to offer prayers, exchange sweets, and participate in regional traditions that reflect gratitude and hope for the year ahead.
Beyond traditional rituals, Makar Sankranti is also often seen as a moment to pause and reflect on priorities. It encourages thoughtful planning, whether related to personal goals, household needs, or financial decisions. As Makar Sankranti 2026 approaches, many households also look ahead to managing festive expenses in a balanced and responsible way.
In this article, we take a closer look at the common expenses associated with the festival and how a personal loan can help manage them more effectively.
Typical Makar Sankranti Expenses to Prepare For
The expenses associated with Makar Sankranti can add up quickly, especially for families that celebrate the festival on a larger scale. From religious preparations to social gatherings, planning ahead for these costs can help avoid last-minute financial pressure.
Some of the common expenses to account for Makar Sankranti 2026 include:
- Beyond traditional rangoli materials, lamps, flowers, and decorative items, households may also incur costs for minor or major home touch-ups ahead of festive gatherings.
- Costs related to puja items, donations, temple visits, or community celebrations can vary depending on local customs.
- Buying new clothes for family members is a customary part of the celebration, particularly in households that observe the festival with rituals and visits to relatives.
- Hosting relatives or organising festive meals can involve higher spending on groceries, catering, or household arrangements.
- Visiting family in other cities or returning to hometowns for the festival may involve travel bookings and related expenses.
Why a Personal Loan Supports Makar Sankranti Planning
As seen above, festive occasions like Makar Sankranti often involve multiple expenses that arise within a short period.
Managing these costs through regular savings may not always be practical, especially when celebrations coincide with other financial commitments. In such situations, a personal loan from a reputed lender such as SMFG India Credit can offer structured financial support and help spread expenses over a manageable period.
A personal loan allows borrowers to access funds without the need to pledge assets, making it suitable for covering a range of festive needs such as home preparations, travel, or family gatherings. Fixed repayment schedules also provide clarity, helping households plan monthly outgoings with greater confidence.
You can also apply for a personal loan online, reducing paperwork and saving time during the festive season.
Tools like a personal loan eligibility calculator and an EMI calculator further help you assess borrowing and repayment capacity in advance, allowing for informed and responsible financial decisions while planning Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Smart Financial Habits During Makar Sankranti
As an occasion that symbolises positivity and fresh beginnings, Makar Sankranti is an ideal time to review and adopt mindful financial habits.
Thoughtful planning during the festive season can help households enjoy celebrations without putting unnecessary strain on their finances.
One of the most effective habits is setting a clear festive budget in advance. Estimating expenses for rituals, travel, clothing, and hosting allows for better control over spending and reduces the likelihood of impulsive decisions. Prioritising essential expenses over discretionary ones can also help maintain balance.
It is equally important to assess existing financial commitments before taking on any additional expenses. Reviewing monthly obligations ensures that festive spending remains aligned with overall financial capacity.
Finally, keeping a focus on post-festival financial planning is crucial. Maintaining an emergency fund and returning to regular savings habits after the celebrations can support smoother financial management well beyond the festive period.
Maintaining Financial Discipline After the Festival
Adhering to financial discipline once the Makar Sankranti celebrations end is just as important as planning for the festival itself.
Reviewing festive spending and understanding how it fits into your overall budget can help prevent small expenses from affecting long-term financial goals. Creating a structured personal loan repayment plan is also a practical step towards staying on track. Fixed monthly EMIs (Equated Monthly Instalments) make it easier to manage routine expenses alongside other commitments. Using a personal loan EMI calculator can help estimate monthly outgoings in advance and ensure repayments remain within comfortable limits.
It is also advisable to avoid additional discretionary spending immediately after the festival. Redirecting focus towards savings and clearing existing obligations can restore financial balance more quickly. Consistent monitoring of expenses and repayments helps reinforce responsible financial behaviour after the festive season.
Final Thoughts
Makar Sankranti is a time of optimism, reflection, and thoughtful new beginnings. Planning expenses in advance and making informed decisions allows households to honour traditions while staying in control of their finances.
As Makar Sankranti 2026 approaches, exploring structured financial options can support smoother planning. Reputed lenders offer digital platforms that make it easier to apply for a personal loan online and use tools such as a personal loan eligibility calculator to plan finances effectively. With careful planning and disciplined repayments, Makar Sankranti can mark a positive and financially balanced start to the year.
*T&C apply. Loan eligibility, loan terms, and loan disbursement processes are subject to the lender’s policy at the time of loan application.
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