Makar Sankranti 2026
मकर संक्रांति 2026
January 14, 2026 (Wednesday) • Varies (Solar festival)
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's transit into Capricorn (Makara rashi) and the beginning of Uttarayan—the sun's northward journey. It's one of few Hindu festivals based on solar calendar.
Significance
The day marks the beginning of auspicious period (Uttarayan). Holy river bathing is believed to wash away sins. It celebrates the harvest season and is associated with gratitude for abundance.
Puja Timings
Sankranti Moment
9:03 AM
Punya Kaal
7:15 AM - 5:46 PM
Maha Punya Kaal
9:03 AM - 10:45 AM
Holy Bath Time
Sunrise to Sankranti moment
Rituals & Traditions
- Take holy bath in sacred rivers
- Offer prayers to Sun God (Surya)
- Donate sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur)
- Fly kites (regional tradition)
- Eat til-gur laddoos
- Feed birds and animals
Tips by Zodiac Sign
Aries
Career changes favored. Donate red items.
Taurus
Financial growth indicated. Eat til-gur sweets.
Gemini
Communication improves. Send positive messages.
Cancer
Emotional healing possible. Take holy bath.
Leo
Sun blesses your sign directly. Do Surya Namaskar.
Virgo
Health improvements. Donate food grains.
Libra
Relationships harmonize. Gift til items to loved ones.
Scorpio
Transformation begins. Release old patterns.
Sagittarius
Education favored. Start new learning.
Capricorn
Your sign year begins. Set new goals.
Aquarius
Social expansion. Network with new people.
Pisces
Spiritual growth peaks. Meditate at sunrise.
Do's
- • Take holy bath before sunrise
- • Donate til, gur, and blankets
- • Worship Sun God
- • Eat til-gur laddoos
- • Fly kites (where traditional)
- • Feed birds with grains
Don'ts
- • Avoid eating meat
- • Don't be rude to anyone
- • Avoid starting negative activities
- • Don't waste food
- • Avoid arguments
- • Don't skip charitable activities
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Get Your PredictionsFrequently Asked Questions
Why is Makar Sankranti always on January 14?
Makar Sankranti is based on solar transit, not lunar calendar, so it falls on nearly the same date (January 14 or 15) every year. The exact time varies slightly based on the Sun's transit into Capricorn.
What is the significance of til (sesame) on Makar Sankranti?
Sesame seeds (til) are associated with Saturn (Shani), who rules Capricorn. Eating and donating til is believed to please Saturn and bring good fortune. Til also generates body heat beneficial in winter.
Why do we fly kites on Makar Sankranti?
Kite flying is a regional tradition (especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan). It's believed to be a way of paying homage to the Sun God while soaking in beneficial early morning sun rays after winter.