Makar Sankranti 2026

Makar Sankranti is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India with great devotion, joy, and cultural diversity. It marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara Rashi) and the beginning of Uttarayana—the auspicious northward journey of the Sun. This festival symbolizes the arrival of longer, warmer days, the end of winter, and the start of a spiritually uplifting period. In 2026, Makar Sankranti falls on: Makara Sankranti 2026 Date Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal 03:13 PM to 05:45 PM Duration: 2 hours 32 minutes

Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal 03:13 PM to 04:58 PM Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Devotees perform holy baths, give charity, and conduct puja within this auspicious period for maximum spiritual benefit.

Makar Sankranti is a solar festival, unlike most other Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar. It marks the day when: The Sun enters Makara Rashi (Capricorn). The phase of Uttarayana begins, which is considered highly auspicious. Winter gradually reduces, symbolizing new beginnings, positivity, and prosperity. Throughout India, it is known by different names:

Pongal in Tamil Nadu

Lohri in Punjab

Uttarayan in Gujarat

Magh Bihu in Assam

Pedda Panduga in Andhra Pradesh

Sankranti or Maghi in North India

Despite the regional variations, the spirit remains the same—gratitude, joy, and new beginnings.

Makar Sankranti carries deep cultural, spiritual, and seasonal significance. It is considered one of the most sacred days for: Charity (Daan) Holy bath (Snan) Surya Puja Starting new ventures Spiritual sadhana

1. Beginning of Uttarayana According to scriptures, Uttarayana is: The daytime of the gods (Deva-din) A period when spiritual practices multiply in effect A phase representing knowledge, light, and growth The Bhagavad Gita mentions that souls who leave the body during Uttarayana attain higher worlds.

2. Harvest Festival In many parts of India, farmers offer gratitude to: The Sun Nature Cattle Crops It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.

3. Surya Dev Worship The Sun represents: Power Health Success Knowledge Vitality Worshipping Surya Dev on this day brings strength, confidence, and clarity.

4. Importance of Charity Giving charity on Makar Sankranti is considered extremely meritorious: Sesame seeds Blankets Food Clothes Money It is believed that donating on this day washes away sins and brings blessings.

5. Symbol of Light Over Darkness Makar Sankranti represents the transition from: Long nights of winter → longer, brighter days A reminder of spiritual awakening and hope.

Although everyone can celebrate Makar Sankranti, it is especially recommended for: People seeking spiritual growth

Those experiencing obstacles in career or finances

Those wishing to improve health

Families wanting prosperity and peace

Couples praying for harmony

Students seeking focus and success

Performing Surya Puja and charity is considered beneficial for all age groups.

Performing rituals during the Punya Kaal brings maximum spiritual rewards. Punya Kaal 03:13 PM – 05:45 PM

Maha Punya Kaal 03:13 PM – 04:58 PM

Maha Punya Kaal is the most auspicious and is preferred for: Snan (holy bath) Surya Arghya Japa Daan (charity) Sankranti Puja

Follow these simple steps to perform a traditional Makar Sankranti puja in 2026. Step 1: Morning Rituals Wake up early during Brahma Muhurat. Take a holy bath, ideally with til (sesame) mixed in the water. Clean the house and puja area. Wear clean traditional clothes.

Step 2: Offer Arghya to Surya Dev This is the most important ritual. Stand facing the rising Sun. Offer water mixed with red flowers, rice, or jaggery.

Chant the Surya Mantra: “Om Suryaya Namah” Offering Arghya removes health issues, improves confidence, and purifies the mind.

Step 3: Sankalp (Vow) Sit before the deity and take a vow to: Perform the ritual sincerely Seek blessings for health, peace, and prosperity

Step 4: Set Up the Puja Arrange the following items: Sesame seeds (til) Jaggery (gur) Rice Fruits Lamps (deepak) Incense sticks Flowers Ganga Jal Light the lamp and incense.

Step 5: Perform Surya Puja Offer sesame seeds, water, and flowers. Chant Surya mantras or the Aditya Hridaya Strotra. Meditate for a few minutes to absorb the Sun’s energy.

Step 6: Prepare Traditional Food Common offerings include: Til ladoo Gur chikki Pongal Khichdi Dahi-chura In many households, a small portion is first offered to the gods.

Step 7: Charity (Daan) Charity is considered the heart of Makar Sankranti. You may donate: Food Blankets Sesame seeds Clothing Money Cows or grains Sweets

Step 8: Evening Aarti Perform a simple aarti in the evening and express gratitude.

The Legend of Bhishma Pitamah According to the Mahabharata: Bhishma Pitamah was blessed with the boon of choosing the time of his death. Even though he was severely wounded in war, he waited until Uttarayana began. On Makar Sankranti, the doors to heavenly realms opened, and he chose this auspicious day to leave his body. This story shows the spiritual power of Makar Sankranti—symbolizing liberation, light, and divine grace. Surya Dev and Shani Dev According to another popular story: Surya Dev and his son Shani Dev had strained relations. But on Makar Sankranti, Surya visited Shani’s home, symbolizing love, forgiveness, and family harmony. People believe worshipping Surya and Shani on this day brings peace and resolves family conflicts. The Harvest Story Farmers across India celebrate: The first harvest The beginning of new agricultural cycles Gratitude towards nature and catty This makes Makar Sankranti a festival of prosperity.

1. Pongal (Tamil Nadu) A four-day celebration involving: Bhogi Thai Pongal Mattu Pongal Kaanum Pongal People cook new rice, worship cattle, and celebrate abundance.

2. Uttarayan (Gujarat) Famous for: Colourful kite flying Music and festivities Undhiyu and jalebi feasts

3. Lohri (Punjab) Celebrated one night before Makar Sankranti with: Bonfire Folk music Sesame, rewari, popcorn offerings

4. Magh Bihu (Assam) People celebrate with: Community feasts Bonfires Traditional games

5. Khichdi Parv (North India) Common rituals include: Bathing in holy rivers Donating sesame and blankets Cooking khichdi

Til (sesame) is the “holy food” of this festival. Why sesame? Represents purity and health Removes negative energies Enhances spiritual merit Brings protection and strength

People consume: Til ladoo Til chikki Til-gur mixtures

They also donate sesame seeds for blessings.

1. Health Benefits Offering Arghya improves: Immunity Mental clarity Energy levels Sesame and jaggery promote warmth and strength in winter.

2. Prosperity & Success Charity on this day reduces: Financial obstacles Karmic blockages Misfortunes

3. Improved Family Harmony Surya and Shani Puja helps: Resolve misunderstandings Strengthen relationships Bring peace at home

4. Spiritual Growth Uttarayana is the best time for: Meditation Yoga Prayers Mantra chanting

5. Removal of Negativity Makar Sankranti brings: Light over darkness Positivity Protection from evil influences

Surya Mantra “Om Suryaya Namah” Gayatri Mantra “Om Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ Tat Savitur Vareñyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat” Aditya Hridaya Stotra Reciting this gives strength, courage, and protection.

Traditional Dishes Til-gur ladoo Khichdi Dahi-chura Ghee rice Pongal Undhiyu Sweet potatoes Gajak

Do’s Take a holy bath Offer Surya Arghya Donate food and clothes Eat sesame & jaggery Pray and meditate

Don’ts Avoid anger and negativity Do not consume alcohol or non-veg Avoid hurting others Don’t disrespect elder. Avoid laziness or wasting time

Makar Sankranti 2026, falling on January 14, brings spiritual light, prosperity, and positive transformations. This festival marks the beginning of Uttarayana, a time associated with purity, divine blessings, and new opportunities. Celebrating Makar Sankranti with devotion—through Surya Puja, charity, holy bath, chanting, and traditional foods—brings immense benefits such as: Better health Strong family bonding Financial stability Mental clarity Spiritual progress Removal of obstacles

Whether you celebrate it as Pongal, Uttarayan, Lohri, or Bihu, Makar Sankranti brings joy, abundance, and hope into every household.