🌞 📅 Makar Sankranti 2026: Date & Time
📍 Makar sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. It marks the Sun’s transition into the Makara (Capricorn) sign, symbolizing the beginning of Uttarayan — the northward journey of the Sun.🕰️ Important Timings (Punya Kaal & Muhurat)
💫 Sun enters Capricorn and Uttarayan begins
💧 Ganga Snan and holy river dips bring great spiritual merit
🍯 Til‑Gur, charity, surya Puja, and festive foods are key traditions
🕰️ Punya Kaal is best for snan and puja (afternoon and early morning windows) Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
- Sankranti Moment: ~03:13 PM (when sun enters Makara)
- Punya Kaal: ~03:13 PM – 05:45 PM
- Most Auspicious (Maha Punya): ~03:13 PM – 04:58 PM
- Ritual bath in rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, or Saryu is believed to wash away sins, purify the soul, and enhance spiritual virtue.
- In many traditional texts and practices, bathing on makar sankranti is considered highly meritorious — even more than on ordinary auspicious days.
- Devotees rise early, take a ritual bath, and then offer water with sesame seeds (til), rice and flowers to the rising Sun.
- Preparing and sharing sweets made of til (sesame seeds) and gur (jaggery) symbolizes warmth, sweetness in relationships, and unity.
- Donating essentials like sesame seeds, grains, jaggery, blankets, clothes, food to the needy enhances the Punya (good karma) earned on this day.
- Depending on region, dishes like khichdi, pongal, til laddu, gur chikki are prepared and enjoyed with family and neighbors.
- Homes are cleaned and decorated; people fly kites, arrange rangoli, and celebrate with community and family gatherings.
- Gujarat & Rajasthan: Famous for kites and Uttarayan festivities.
- Punjab & Haryana: Observed as Maghi, marking the harvest season.
- Tamil Nadu: Celebrated as Pongal, with special offerings to cattle and cows.
💫 Sun enters Capricorn and Uttarayan begins
💧 Ganga Snan and holy river dips bring great spiritual merit
🍯 Til‑Gur, charity, surya Puja, and festive foods are key traditions
🕰️ Punya Kaal is best for snan and puja (afternoon and early morning windows) Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.