Makar Sankranti 2026 : Makar Sankranti festival is on 14 January in 2026. This festival marks the transit of the Sun into Capricorn and the beginning of the Sun's journey in the Northern Hemisphere, also known as Uttarayan.

Makar Sankranti is one of the important festivals of Hinduism and it is also the first festival of the new year, which is known by different names. In Bihar and UP it is called Makar Sankranti or Khichdi festival. In Punjab and Haryana it is called Lohri festival, in Tamil Nadu it is called Pongal and in Assam it is called Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu.

People also celebrate Makar Sankranti as a traditional festival. On this day, the worship of the Sun God is of special importance. On this day, the Sun ends its journey in Sagittarius and enters Capricorn, which is the zodiac sign of Shani Dev. Sun and Shani are father and son, but still there is a relationship of enmity between the two. It is said that on the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun goes to meet Shani Dev.

Sometimes Makar Sankranti falls on 14th and sometimes on 15th January. Let us know when Makar Sankranti festival will be celebrated in 2026 and what will be the auspicious time for bathing and donation.

When is Makar Sankranti in 2026

• The festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14 in 2026.
• The Punyakaal Muhurat will be from 02:49 pm to 05:45 pm.
• Mahapunya Kaal Muhurta from 02:49 pm to 03:42 pm
• Punyakaal and Mahapunyakaal Muhurta are considered auspicious for bathing and giving donation.

Importance of bathing and donation on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is also considered auspicious for bathing and giving donations. On this day, people take bath in holy rivers, offer water to Sun God and then do charity. On this day, especially warm clothes, blankets, jaggery, sesame seeds, khichdi etc. should be donated.

why we celebrate makar sankranti

• There are religious, natural and astronomical significance behind celebrating Makar Sankranti. This is a Hindu festival which is celebrated as a symbol of the beginning of the harvest season.
• From an astronomical perspective, it marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days.
• As per astrology, on the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun transits into Capricorn and it also marks the beginning of the Sun's journey in the Northern Hemisphere.
• In many places it is also celebrated as a kite festival. People fly kites on the rooftops of their houses.

Mention of Makar Sankranti in Mahabharata and Puranas

Mythological stories are also associated with the Makar Sankranti festival. This festival is also mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. In the Mahabharata, there is a mention of the Pandavas celebrating Makar Sankranti. At the same time, the credit for this festival is also given to the Vedic sage Vishwamitra.

According to legend, during the Mahabharata period, when Bhishma Pitamah was injured by Arjun's arrows, even then he did not choose death but lay on the bed of arrows for several days and waited for the Sun to move north for his death.

It is also said that on the day of Makar Sankranti, Gangaji followed Bhagirath and reached Sagar after passing through Kapil Muni's ashram.

FAQs

Q. In which zodiac sign does the Sun transit during Makar Sankranti?

A. On Makar Sankranti, the Sun enters Capricorn, it is called Makar Sankranti.

Q. Why is Makar Sankranti called Khichdi festival?

A. Because on this day there is importance of making Khichdi with sesame, rice and donation.

Q. What happens by taking bath on Makar Sankranti?

A. It is believed that bathing in a holy river on Makar Sankranti destroys sins.