Festivals
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Muhurat, Puja Vidhi & Significance
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Punya Kaal Muhurat & Significance
Makar Sankranti is the first major Hindu festival of the Gregorian calendar, celebrated with tremendous zeal across India. Dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God), it marks the sun’s transit into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), signaling the end of winter and the beginning of the auspicious Uttarayan period (Sun’s northward journey).
While the festival is known by many names—Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Magh Bihu in Assam—the essence remains the same: gratitude to nature for the harvest.
☀️ Book Pandit for Sankranti Puja
Start the Uttarayan phase with divine blessings. Book Vedic Pandits for Satyanarayan Puja, Griha Pravesh, or Surya Puja at your home.
📞 Call to Book: 080-61160400
Makar Sankranti 2026 Date & Muhurat
In 2026, the Sun enters Capricorn on January 14. Therefore, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Makar Sankranti Date | January 14, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Punya Kaal Muhurat | 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM (Duration: 10 hrs 31 mins) |
| Maha Punya Kaal | 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM (Best time for Snan & Daan) |
| Sankranti Moment | 02:43 AM on Jan 14, 2026 |
*Note: Timings are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Taking a holy bath during the Maha Punya Kaal is considered most auspicious.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is significant not just astronomically but also spiritually.
- Uttarayan: It marks the beginning of the day of the Devas (gods). The next six months are considered highly auspicious for auspicious beginnings like Griha Pravesh and weddings.
- Harvest Festival: Farmers express gratitude to the Sun God and Mother Earth for the bumper harvest of winter crops like sugarcane and rice.
- Triumph of Wisdom: The festival reminds us to move from darkness (ignorance) to light (knowledge), much like the Sun moves towards the Northern hemisphere.
Rituals: How to Celebrate at Home?
While rituals vary by state, the core practices remain focused on purification and charity.
1. Holy Bath (Snan)
Wake up during the Brahma Muhurta. Mix black sesame seeds (Til) and a few drops of Gangajal in your bathing water. This is believed to wash away past sins.
2. Surya Puja
Offer Arghya (water) to the rising sun. Chant the Surya Gayatri Mantra: “Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe, Mahadyutikaraya Dhimahi, Tanno Aditya Prachodayat.”
3. Daan (Charity)
Donating Khichdi (rice and lentils), Til-Gud (sesame and jaggery), and blankets to the needy on this day is said to yield manifold blessings.
Regional Celebrations Across India
| Gujarat (Uttarayan) | Famous for the International Kite Festival. The sky is filled with colorful kites as people shout “Kai Po Che!” |
| Tamil Nadu (Pongal) | A 4-day harvest festival where ‘Pongal’ (sweet rice dish) is boiled in clay pots to thank the Sun God. |
| Punjab (Lohri) | Celebrated a day before Sankranti with bonfires, popcorn, and folk dances (Bhangra/Gidda). |
| Assam (Magh Bihu) | Feasts and bonfires (Meji) mark the end of the harvesting season. |
Book Puja Services with SmartPuja
Makar Sankranti is the best day to perform Shuddhi Punyahavachanam or Office Puja for new business success. SmartPuja connects you with verified Pandits in:
Bangalore | Mumbai | Delhi | Pune | Hyderabad | Chennai | Kolkata | Ahmedabad | 30 Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Makar Sankranti falls on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The Punya Kaal starts at 7:15 AM.
Sesame (Til) keeps the body warm, and Jaggery (Gud) boosts immunity during winter. Spiritually, exchanging Til-Gud symbolizes speaking sweetly and resolving past conflicts.
Yes, Makar Sankranti marks the start of Uttarayan, which is considered the most auspicious period for Griha Pravesh and other new beginnings.
