Makar Sankranti Festival 2026

Full Date

14 January 2026 Morning 9:03 AM – 14 January 2026 Evening 5:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

• Makar Sankranti Moment

  Time when the Sun enters Capricorn marking the official Sankranti moment.

  14 January 2026 9:03 AM – 14 January 2026 9:03 AM

• Mahapunya Kaal

  Highly auspicious period ideal for Surya Puja and holy bathing.

  14 January 2026 9:03 AM – 14 January 2026 10:38 AM

• Punya Kaal Muhurat

  Auspicious time for performing Makar Sankranti rites, bathing, and charity.

  14 January 2026 3:13 PM – 14 January 2026 4:58 PM

Introduction

Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), signaling the start of longer, warmer days. It is a harvest festival celebrated with different regional variations such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Maghi in Punjab.

Other Names

Maghi, Uttarayan, Pongal, Til Sankranti

Pooja Vidhi

• Wake up early and take a purifying bath before sunrise.
• Setup altar with Surya Dev photo or symbol facing east.
• During Maha Punya Kaal, offer water, sesame seeds, and fruits to the Sun.
• Chant Surya Mantras such as 'Om Suryaaya Namah'.
• Share til-gud sweets with the phrase 'Tilgul ghya, god god bola'.
• End the ritual with deep gratitude and prayers for health and prosperity.

Rituals

• Take a holy dip in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari at sunrise.
• Offer prayers and sesame-jaggery sweets to Surya (Sun God).
• Perform Surya Arghya with water and chant mantras facing east.
• Fly kites symbolizing joy and gratitude under sunny skies.
• Prepare and share traditional sweets made of sesame and jaggery.
• Donate food, clothing, and essentials to the needy.

Regional Highlights

• In Gujarat, celebrated as Uttarayan with grand kite festivals.
• In Tamil Nadu, it coincides with the four-day Pongal festival.
• In Punjab and Haryana, observed as Maghi with bonfires and feasts.
• In Maharashtra, families exchange sesame-jaggery sweets saying 'Tilgul ghya, god god bola'.

History

Rooted in ancient Hindu solar traditions, Makar Sankranti is one of the few festivals based on the solar calendar. The festival signifies the Sun’s northward journey (Uttarayana) and is associated with prosperity, spiritual awakening, and agricultural abundance.

Additional Information

• Marks the Sun's transition into the Capricorn zodiac sign.
• Symbolizes gratitude, hope, and new beginnings.
• Encourages acts of charity and unity among communities.