Festival calendar
Makar Sankranti 2026: date and how it is observed
Makar Sankranti 2026 is on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
Date
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Tithi
The day the Sun enters Capricorn (Makara), a solar date
About Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn and the start of Uttarayana, the Sun's northward journey. It is celebrated as Pongal, Magh Bihu and Uttarayan in different regions, with holy dips, charity, sesame and jaggery sweets, and kites.
How Makar Sankranti is observed
- Bathe at dawn, ideally in a river, and offer water to the Sun.
- Give charity: sesame, jaggery, khichdi, blankets and grains.
- Eat sesame and jaggery sweets and fly kites.
Stotras to read
- Aditya HridayamThe 31-verse solar hymn from Valmiki Ramayana Yuddha Kanda, taught by Sage Agastya to Lord Rama before the final battle with Ravana. The supreme Sun remedy in Vedic astrology for victory, health, and Surya Mahadasha relief.
- Surya AshtakamEight verses praising Lord Surya, the visible deity and soul-karaka in Vedic astrology. Recited at sunrise on Sundays and Makar Sankranti to destroy planetary afflictions, grant health, and invoke solar vitality.
More festivals in 2026
- Lohri
- Vasant Panchami
- Maha Shivratri
- Holi
- Ugadi & Gudi Padwa
- Ram Navami
- Hanuman Jayanti
- Jagannath Rath Yatra
- Guru Purnima
- Raksha Bandhan
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Sharad Navratri
- Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
- Sharad Purnima
- Karwa Chauth
- Dhanteras
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhai Dooj
- Chhath Puja
- Dev Uthani Ekadashi
- Kartik Purnima
- Diwali (Deepavali)
Dates are for New Delhi, calculated and checked against published panchangs. When a tithi spans two days or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat in your city, check the local panchang.
Frequently asked questions
When is Makar Sankranti in 2026?
Makar Sankranti 2026 is on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The dates are for New Delhi.
Which tithi is Makar Sankranti celebrated on?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on The day the Sun enters Capricorn (Makara), a solar date. This follows the North Indian (Purnimanta) calendar.
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn and the start of Uttarayana, the Sun's northward journey. It is celebrated as Pongal, Magh Bihu and Uttarayan in different regions, with holy dips, charity, sesame and jaggery sweets, and kites.
Can the date of Makar Sankranti differ in my city?
Yes. When a tithi spans two days, or a region follows a different rule, a festival can fall a day earlier or later. For the exact muhurat of the puja, check the panchang for your city.
Want a personal muhurat for a puja, a purchase or a new start, based on your own chart? Book a consultation.
Book Consultation