Makar Sankranti 2026: Is It on January 14 or 15? Date, Muhurat, Rituals- Here’s all you need to know
When is Makar Sankranti celebrated, January 14 or 15? This confusion often arises because different calendars show different timings for the Sun’s transition. As a result, people are unsure which date is correct. According to astrology, Makar Sankranti occurs when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn. From that moment, an eight-hour sacred period begins, during which devotees take holy baths and offer donations.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date and Celebration
In 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14. Across India, people observe harvest festivals such as Pongal, Magh Bihu, Poush Parbon, and Uttarayana, making this day a celebration of unity, gratitude, and prosperity.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date and Muhurat
According to Drik Panchang:
- Makar Sankranti Date: January 14, 2026
- Punya Kala Duration: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Maha Punya Kala Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Makar Sankranti Muhurat
Rituals and prayers are considered most powerful during Punya Kala.
- Punya Kala: 3:13 PM – 5:45 PM
- Maha Punya Kala: 3:13 PM – 4:58 PM
Performing puja during this time is believed to bring blessings, peace, and positive energy.
Mythological Beliefs
According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Sankranti defeated the demon Sankarasur on this day, and the next day she destroyed Kinkarasur. The festival also marks the end of an inauspicious period known as Kharvaans. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah chose to leave his body only after the start of Uttarayan, believing it to be the most sacred time to attain salvation.
Puja Vidhi and Rituals
Makar Sankranti is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). Devotees usually:
- Wake up early and take a holy bath
- Offer water to the Sun using a Kalash
- Offer sesame seeds, rice, red flowers, and water
- Apply sandalwood tilak to Lord Surya
- Offer khichdi and dress the deity in yellow or red clothes
These rituals express thanks to the Sun for health, crops, and prosperity.
Mantras to Chant
Chanting mantras is believed to bring strength, positivity, and success. Popular mantras include:
- Aditya Hridaya Stotram
- Surya Gayatri Mantra
Surya Beej Mantras:
- Om Ghrini Suryaya Namah
- Om Hreem Hreem Suryaya Namah
Makar Sankranti 2026: Significance
Makar Sankranti honors the life-giving energy of the Sun and the abundance of nature. It is a time to express gratitude for prosperity and seek spiritual growth. For farming communities, the festival marks the joy of a successful winter harvest and the start of a new agricultural season.
The combination of spiritual beliefs, seasonal change, and cultural traditions makes Makar Sankranti one of India’s most cherished and widely celebrated festivals.
Makar Sankranti 2026 is more than just a festival, it is a celebration of light, life, and new beginnings. As the Sun begins its northward journey, the occasion brings hope, gratitude, and spiritual awakening. Through prayers, charitable acts, and joyful customs like kite flying, the festival reminds us to embrace positivity, abundance, and the promise of fresh opportunities in our lives.