Uttarayana 2026

Uttarayana, also known as Uttarayan, Uttarayani, or the Sun’s northward journey, is one of the most auspicious transitions in the Hindu calendar. It marks the time when the Sun moves from Dakshinayana (southward motion) to Uttarayana (northward motion), beginning a six-month period of light, growth, purity, and divine blessings. In 2026, Uttarayana falls on: Uttarayana Date in 2026: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Sankranti (Uttarayana) Moment: 3:13 PM Uttarayana is celebrated across India with various cultural names such as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu, Uttarayan Kite Festival, and more. It marks a turning point in nature, seasons, and spiritual energies, symbolizing positivity and new beginnings.

Uttarayana is derived from two Sanskrit words: Uttara – North Ayana – Journey

Thus, Uttarayana literally means “the Sun’s movement toward the northern hemisphere.” In astronomy, this is the time when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara Rashi). Spiritually, this is considered a sacred period for new beginnings, purification, and auspicious rituals.

Uttarayana has a deep connection with Hindu scriptures, yogic science, and ancient traditions. Symbol of Light and Growth Uttarayana marks the increase of daylight hours, symbolizing: Rising positive energy Growth and renewal Improved health Abundance in nature

Auspicious for Dharma and Spiritual Activities It is believed that during Uttarayana: The gods are awake and receptive Positive energies are at their peak Performing good deeds gives greater spiritual merit

Connection to Vedic Astrology According to Vedic traditions, Uttarayana is the start of Deva Kala, the period dedicated to gods, purity, knowledge, and charity.

Uttarayana holds importance for both spiritual activities and cultural celebrations.

1. Increase in Sun’s Strength As the Sun moves northward: Winter begins to soften Days grow longer New crops prepare for harvest This symbolizes hope, progress, and prosperity.

2. Start of Auspicious Period According to Hindu belief: Activities like marriage, home construction, and sacred rituals are considered auspicious after Uttarayana.

3. Spiritual Gateway It is believed that souls who leave the world during Uttarayana attain: Higher spiritual realms Liberation (as described in the Bhagavad Gita)

4. Thanksgiving to Nature Communities celebrate harvest festivals like: Makar Sankranti Pongal Magh Bihu Uttarayan Kite Festival (Gujarat)

These express gratitude to nature, Sun God, and the new crop season.

Uttarayana is not just an astrological event—it is a harvest festival, a cultural celebration, and a spiritual turning point celebrated nationwide. In North India – Makar Sankranti People take holy dips in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, believing it removes sins and grants blessings. In South India – Pongal Families prepare sweet Pongal, worship the Sun God, and honor cattle. In Gujarat & Rajasthan – Uttarayan (Kite Festival) Colorful kites fill the sky symbolizing the rise of human spirit and joy. In Assam – Magh / Bhogali Bihu Communities celebrate community feasts, bonfires, and traditional games. In Tamil Nadu & Karnataka – Surya Puja People offer gratitude to Sun God for health, strength, and prosperity.

Anyone can participate, but it is especially beneficial for: Families seeking peace and good health

Farmers and businessmen hoping for growth

Students who want clarity and intelligence

Those wishing to begin new ventures

Devotees aiming for spiritual upliftment

Uttarayana is considered an ideal time to start fresh goals, habits, and life plans.

You can observe a simple yet meaningful ritual at home. Step 1: Morning Preparations Wake up early Clean the house and puja place Take a holy bath Wear clean and light-colored clothes If possible, offer a sesame oil bath for purification.

Step 2: Setup for Puja Arrange the following items: Idol or picture of Lord Surya (Sun God) Water-filled copper vessel Flowers and rice Sesame seeds (til) Jaggery / gud Fruits A diya and incense

Step 3: Sankalp (Vow) Sit peacefully and take a vow: To welcome positivity To perform acts of goodwill To seek blessings for health and prosperity

Step 4: Surya Puja Ritual Light a diya Face east Offer water (Arghya) to the Sun by gently pouring water from a copper vessel Add red flowers or kumkum to the water

Chant any Surya mantra like: “Om Suryaya Namah” or “Om Adityaya Namah”

Step 5: Offer Prasad Typical offerings include: Sesame seeds Jaggery Sugarcane Coconut Fruits

Step 6: Charity (Daan) Uttarayana emphasizes giving. You may donate: Food Clothes Til (sesame) Blankets Money Feeding birds and cows is also considered auspicious.

Step 7: Family Rituals In the evening: Conduct a simple aarti Share prasad with family Eat traditional satvik meals Enjoy cultural activities such as kite flying or preparing festive foods

• Different regions celebrate with different delicious dishes.
• North India
• Til-gud ladoo
• Peanut chikki
• Khichdi
• Ghee-roti
• Gur-poha
• South India (Pongal)
• Sweet Pongal
• Coconut rice
• Sugarcane
• Vadai
• Payasam
• Assam (Bihu)
• Pitha
• Laru (coconut and sesame sweets)
• Rice dishes

Traditional food symbolizes warmth, health, and energy for the new season.

Do’s Wake up early and take a holy bath Offer Arghya to the Sun Eat sesame and jaggery Perform charity Spend time with family Meditate or chant mantras Celebrate the harvest with gratitude

Don’ts Avoid anger or negative speech Avoid eating non-veg or intoxicants Avoid laziness or oversleeping Avoid harming animals or nature

According to ancient scriptures, Uttarayana marks the time when Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata chose to leave his earthly body. Gifted with the boon of “iccha-mrityu” (death at will), he waited for this auspicious period to ensure liberation. This story teaches that: Uttarayana is spiritually powerful

Leaving or beginning during this period brings positive results

Light and purity guide the soul and mind

1. Mental and Emotional Strength The Sun’s shift uplifts mood, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity.

2. Improved Physical Health Sunlight increases: Vitamin D levels Immunity Energy Digestion

3. Prosperity and Career Growth Uttarayana is considered ideal for: Starting new ventures Initiating business deals Making financial decisions

4. Family Peace and Harmony Offering prayers together strengthens family bonding.

5. Spiritual Purification Holy dips, charity, and prayers help: Reduce negative karma Improve inner positivity Bring spiritual upliftment

6. Blessings of Sun God Surya grants: Good health Success Courage Longevity

7. New Beginnings It is one of the best times of the year to: Begin new habits Start health routines Reset life goals

Surya Mantra “Om Suryaya Namah” Aditya Hridaya Stotra Reciting or listening to this stotra brings strength and divine protection. Gayatri Mantra “Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha…” Shanti Mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shantih” Chanting 108 times is considered highly beneficial.

Once the Puja is complete: Share festive meals Feed cows, birds, or the poor Fly kites (in Gujarat & Rajasthan) Visit temples Enjoy community celebrations

Giving thanks to nature is an important part of Uttarayana.

Uttarayana 2026, falling on January 14, 2026 at 3:13 PM, is a spiritually powerful event that marks the beginning of positivity, growth, and abundance. As the Sun moves northward, its energy brings warmth, prosperity, and inspiration to all life. Observing Uttarayana with devotion, charity, gratitude, and joy brings long-lasting blessings such as: Good health Peaceful family life Prosperity Mental clarity Spiritual upliftment

Whether you celebrate it as Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, or Bihu, the essence remains the same—gratitude to the Sun, nature, and the divine forces that sustain us.