The Gangasagar Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in India, taking place at the confluence of the River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. Pilgrims take a holy dip to purify their souls and offer prayers during Makar Sankranti. It is believed that taking a dip here during Makar Sankranti is equivalent to the merits earned by performing hundreds of Ashwamedha Yajnas.

The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is famous for its remarkable architectural design that allows the sun's rays to pass through a window and illuminate the shrine inside, precisely on the day of Makar Sankranti. Devotees flock to the temple to witness this celestial alignment, which is a unique phenomenon associated with the festival.

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It coincides with Makar Sankranti and is marked by various rituals, including the boiling of the first rice of the season. Temples across Tamil Nadu, such as the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, hold special Poojas and events during this time.

The Sabarimala Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is particularly significant during Makar Sankranti. This is when the Makaravilakku festival takes place, and a celestial light appears on the horizon, which is considered a divine occurrence. Millions of pilgrims undertake a rigorous journey to witness this event and seek blessings from Lord Ayyappa.

The Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, holds special significance during Makar Sankranti. Devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the Gomti River and offer prayers to Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated with great fervor, and kite flying is a popular activity associated with the festivities in Gujarat.

The Magh Mela is an annual gathering of Hindu pilgrims at Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad) at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. It is held during the Hindu month of Magh, starting on Makar Sankranti. Pilgrims bathe at the confluence, known as Sangam, to cleanse their sins and perform rituals.