AstrologgerMakar Sankranti
14 January 2026 · Surya
2026 dates are good-faith estimates from standard panchang references — confirm the exact date and muhurat against a current Panchang before planning.
Significance
The sun enters Capricorn (Makar), marking the northward journey (Uttarayan) of the sun. Celebrated with sesame-jaggery sweets, kite-flying, and holy dips at sacred rivers.
Astrological significance
Unlike most Hindu festivals, Makar Sankranti follows the solar calendar rather than the moon, so its date stays close to mid-January each year. It marks the moment the Sun (Surya) transitions into Makar (Capricorn) in the sidereal zodiac, traditionally seen as the start of Uttarayan, the Sun's apparent northward journey. This is why the date is far more stable year to year than lunar festivals such as Diwali or Holi.
Month: Magha · Solar festival — marks the Sun's transit (sankranti) into the sidereal sign of Capricorn (Makar); tied to the solar calendar, not a lunar tithi.
How Makar Sankranti is observed
- Taking a holy dip in rivers such as the Ganga at dawn
- Preparing and sharing sesame-and-jaggery sweets (til-gud)
- Kite-flying, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra
- Offering prayers to Surya, the Sun deity
- Giving charity and donations (daan)
Frequently asked questions
When is Makar Sankranti in 2026?+
In 2026 it falls on 14 January 2026. Because it is a solar festival, the date is quite stable (usually 14 or 15 January), but please confirm against a current panchang before relying on it.
Why does Makar Sankranti not shift like other Hindu festivals?+
Most Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar and shift by days each year, but Makar Sankranti is tied to the Sun's transit into Capricorn on the solar calendar, so it stays close to mid-January.
What does Makar Sankranti celebrate?+
It celebrates the Sun's transit into Makar (Capricorn) and the beginning of Uttarayan, the Sun's northward journey, welcomed as a return of longer, warmer days and the harvest season.
How is it observed?+
People take holy dips in rivers, share til-gud sweets, fly kites, worship Surya, and give charity. It is known regionally as Pongal, Lohri, Bihu and Uttarayan.