Makar Sankranti 2026 date and time: Shubh muhurat, puja rituals, history, significance and all about Uttarayana

Makar Sankranti 2026: Makar Sankranti celebrates the Sun’s transition into Capricorn, signifying new beginnings. Here’s a complete guide, from dates to timings.

Makar Sankranti 2026: Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayana, Makara, or simply Sankranti, is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated throughout India and Nepal. Marking the Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), it symbolises new beginnings, hope, and the promise of prosperity.

Makar Sankranti 2026: Experience the joy of Makar Sankranti with rituals and kite flying on January 14, 2026. (ANI photo)

This mid-winter harvest festival also signals the nearing end of winter and the start of a fresh agricultural season. From its history and significance to important dates and timings, here’s your complete guide to this auspicious celebration.

When is Makar Sankranti? Date and timings

As per Drik Panchang, the festival of Makar Sankranti falls on Wednesday, January 14 this year. Here's the auspicious muhurat to keep in mind:

Occasion	Muhurat
Makar Sankranti Moment	03:13 PM
Makar Sankranti Punya Kala	03:13 PM to 06:12 PM
Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kala	03:13 PM to 05:07 PM

Meanwhile, according to the panchang, the Sun will rise at 06:46 AM on the day of the festival. Additionally, the Brahma muhurat will last from 05:05 AM to 05:55 AM, and the Vijaya muhurat is from 02:23 PM to 03:09 PM.

Makar Sankranti 2026 history and significance

Makar Sankranti dates back to the Vedic era, when ancient civilisations closely tracked the Sun’s movements. “Sankranti” refers to the Sun’s transition into a zodiac sign, while “Makara” denotes Capricorn. It marks the Sun’s northward journey, known as Uttarayan, bringing longer days and warmer weather.

Makar Sankranti is synonymous with the ritual of flying kites. (Unsplash)

The festival holds spiritual and cultural significance, symbolising harvest, prosperity, and positive energies ideal for prayer, meditation, and charity. Traditions include holy river baths, offerings to the Sun God, sharing food, jaggery, sesame seeds, and clothes, and flying kites, while myths, like Bhishma Pitamah awaiting Uttarayan for salvation, highlight hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil.

Makar Sankranti 2026 rituals

On Makar Sankranti, devotees start the day early with a ritual bath and offer water mixed with red flowers and rice grains to the Sun. The festival is also marked by acts of charity, including donations of new grains, blankets, utensils, sesame seeds, and ghee.

Celebrations vary across regions: in North India, people observe Lohri; in the South, Pongal is celebrated; in Gujarat and Rajasthan, colourful kite flying is a highlight; while in the East, the Ganga Sagar Mela is a major event, showcasing the festival’s rich regional diversity.