Makar Sankranti 2026: There is considerable confusion among people regarding the date of Makar Sankranti in 2026. Let us explore when it is best to celebrate Makar Sankranti, January 14th or 15th, according to beliefs and astrologers.

Makar Sankranti 2026: Scriptures describe Makar Sankranti as a symbol of moving from darkness to light. Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's northward movement. According to religious beliefs, the Sun's northward movement is considered an auspicious sign. After this, all auspicious events begin, and the planets' blessings are bestowed.

On Makar Sankranti, bathing, donating, and preparing khichdi as an offering to ancestors brings happiness, good fortune, and prosperity. There is confusion regarding the date of Makar Sankranti this year. Some are talking about celebrating the festival on January 14th, while others are suggesting January 15th.

Why is there confusion over the date of Makar Sankranti?

According to Astrologer Anish Vyas, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the day the Sun enters the Capricorn sign. Furthermore, the rising date is also considered auspicious for this festival. According to the calendar, the Sun will enter Capricorn on January 14, 2026, at 3:07 pm. Since this transit is occurring in the afternoon, there is confusion about whether Makar Sankranti should be celebrated on January 14 or 15.  

When is Makar Sankranti, 14 or 15 January 2026

January 14 – On this day, the Sun enters Capricorn at noon. According to astrologers, it is best to celebrate Makar Sankranti on the day when the Sun enters Capricorn. The almanac also lists the auspicious and mahapunya periods for Makar Sankranti on January 14. Ekadashi also falls on this day. Therefore, those celebrating Makar Sankranti on this day should prepare khichdi on January 15 and donate rice on the same day.

January 15th – According to the scriptures, Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the Udayatithi (rising date), as it is a festival dedicated to the Sun, and the Surya Udayatithi (rising date) recognizes the date coinciding with sunrise. It is auspicious to bathe and donate on Makar Sankranti on the Udayatithi, after the Sun enters Capricorn. Therefore, this time, bathing and donating on Makar Sankranti on January 15th will be auspicious.

Note- In some regional calendars or traditions, if Sankranti occurred at night, it would be celebrated the next day, but since this time it occurred in the afternoon, 14th January is the universally accepted and correct date.