Makar Sankranti 2026 is celebrated on 14 January 2026, which is on Wednesday. It is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of Sun into zodiac sign Capricorn.
Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti, also known as uttrayana, or Sankranti. It is a Hindu festival celebrated across India with great joy and devotion. Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year on 14 January, marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makar). It is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. The festival is devoted to the solar deity Surya. Sankranti signifies the end of cold winters and the beginning of longer days as the sun starts its northward journey, known as uttrayan. The festival, also known as the harvest festival, especially for Rabi crops.
In 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on 14 January 2026. From this day onwards, sunlight increases, symbolising a new beginning, growth and prosperity. People offer prayers to Lord Surya (the Sun god) and express gratitude to nature for the harvest and seek blessings for prosperity for the coming year.
Makar Sankranti 2026 is celebrated differently in different states one of the main tradition are kite flying. People prepare special foods, including sweets made from till and gud, till laddu, puran poli etc.
Makar Sankranti 2026 Date and Time
According to Darik Panchang, Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on 14 January 2026, Wednesday. The Makar Sankranti punya kar (auspicious period) is starts from 3:13 p.m. And ends on 5:45 p.m. This festival is extremely auspicious for both astronomical and religious perspective. It is believed that on this auspicious occasion, taking of Holy dip in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari washes away all the sins and brings spiritual purity.
| Event | Makar Sankranti kab hai |
| Makar Sankranti 2026 | 14 January 2026, Wednesday |
| Makar Sankranti 2026 time | 3:13 p.m. to 5:45 p.m |
Makar Sankranti 2026 Significance
The Sankranti 2026 date is 14 January. It is considered an auspicious period in Hinduism. People celebrate this festival by thanking nature for the harvest and praying for prosperity. The festival symbolises the start of a six-month auspicious period for Hindus called Uttarayana. The Makar Sankranti festival is one of the few Indian festivals that is celebrated on the basis of solar calendar. It represent the beginning of the harvest season, including wheat, barley, and mustards.
Astronomical significance
The Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar Rashi). The sun begins its northward journey for 6 months, which leads to longer days and shorter Nights. It is considered very auspicious time for new beginning, spiritual practices as it is believed the Gods are awaken from this sleep and bless the earth with prosperity and happiness.
Agriculture significance
Makar Sankranti is mainly a harvest festival in India. It is the time when crops I’ll harvested likes rice, sugarcane, Sesame, and wheat. On this festival people thanks to nature, the sun and the land for giving good harvest. And it also marks the beginning of new farming season.
Religious significance
On Sankranti, people take a holy bath in Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari. It is said that a Holi dip in these rivers was away since and bring blessings. Also the day is dedicated to Lord Surya, and people pray for good health, wealth and success.
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How Makar Sankranti is Celebrated Across India
Makar Sankranti 2026 is widely celebrated all over India with different traditions. But everywhere it is a festival of joy, food and togetherness.
- Tamilnadu- in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India, Makar Sankranti is known as pongal. It is a major festival of Tamilnadu and celebrated for 4 days.
- Punjab – Sankranti is known as Lohri, brated the eve before Makar Sankranti with bonfire, folk songs and dancing around the Fire.
- Assam – the festival is celebrated as Magh Bihu.
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar- known as Khichdi Parv where people cook khichdi made from rice and lentice.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana – celebrated as pedda pandugu with cultural events and rituals.
- Gujarat– the festival is known as uttrayan.
- West Bengal – known as Sankranti a three days festival.
FAQs on Makar Sankranti 2026
When is Makar Sankranti 2026?
In 2026 Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
When is Pongal?
Pongal is celebrated from 14 January 2026 to 18 January 2026. It is the main festival of Tamil Nadu.
Why on makers Sankranti kites flown?
Flying kites is a fun way to celebrate the sun’s journey towards north. In states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan kite flying is popular on Makar Sankranti.