New Delhi: Makar Sankranti 2026 ushers in a vibrant harvest festival celebrated across India, marking the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and the onset
of longer days. Families gather to fly kites, prepare til-gud sweets, and perform holy baths, embracing traditions that blend joy, devotion, and gratitude for nature’s bounty. As one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, Makar Sankranti symbolises prosperity and renewal, drawing millions to sacred rivers like the Ganges. This year, curiosity surrounds the exact date—14th or 15th January?—prompting devotees to seek precise timings for rituals.
Planning your Makar Sankranti 2026 celebrations? Discover the confirmed date, shubh muhurat, and tithis to ensure rituals align with celestial auspiciousness. Uncover why this Sankranti holds unique spiritual depth through mythology and cosmic shifts. From kite-flying bonanzas to sesame-jaggery feasts, immerse in customs that foster community spirit and harvest cheer.
When is Makar Sankranti 2026? January 14 or 15? Know the exact date
Makar Sankranti 2026 falls on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as the Sun enters Makara Rashi during daytime, confirming celebrations on this date per Drik Panchang for New Delhi. While some traditions observe on 15 January if transition occurs post-sunset, 2026’s Sankranti moment aligns with 14th afternoon timings. Devotees nationwide mark it as a harvest festival with holy dips and feasts.
Why there is confusion related to date this year?
Most sources affirm January 14, 2026 for Makar Sankranti, tied to solar calendar precision unlike lunar festivals. However, if Sun’s entry into Capricorn happens after sunset on 14th (e.g., 9:19 PM per some calculations), ‘udayatithi’ principle shifts rituals to 15 January dawn for snan, dan, and puja. In 2026, primary Panchangs list daytime transition, prioritising 14th; regional customs may vary, emphasising Punya Kaal observance. Always consult local Panchang for accuracy.
Makar Sankranti 2025: Auspicious muhurat for bathing and donation
Key timings for as per Drik Panchang: Sankranti Moment around 3:13 PM on 14 January, triggering Punya Kaal (auspicious window) for ~2-6 hours post-moment, ideal for bath, Surya puja, charity, and Shraddha. Mahapunya Kaal spans 1-5 Ghatis post-Sankranti or sunrise, e.g., 9:03 AM-10:38 AM in some listings. Perform rituals daytime; tithis favour Uttarashadha Nakshatra. Brahma Muhurta (5:20-6:15 AM) suits holy snan.
Spiritual and mythological significance of Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti embodies Uttarayan—the Sun’s northward path—signifying victory of light over darkness and spiritual ascent. Mythologically, it honours Surya Dev, with legends of Bhishma’s moksha, Vishnu subduing demons, and Sankranti Devi vanquishing Sankarasur. Charity of til-gud eradicates doshas, promoting prosperity; kite-flying symbolises soul’s divine connection. Philosophically, it underscores cosmic harmony, gratitude for harvest, and punya karma for enlightenment.
Embrace Makar Sankranti 2026’s divine energy on 14th or 15th per your tradition—perform rituals in Punya Kaal for blessings of health, wealth, and joy. Happy Sankranti!
