The Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti is also known as Makara Sankranti. This festival is also known as Maghi, it's a vibrant celebration dedicated to the Sun God in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated every year in January. This sacred festival of Makar Sankranti  is celebrated in India itself but also in Nepal with great fanfare.

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Makar Sankranti is one of the few ancient Indian festivals observed under solar chakras, while most of the festivals have been decided under the Chandra Chakra of the Hindu calendar. This festival is celebrated throughout the country on the same Gregorian date every year (January 14th), but in the leap year, this date may differ. Different names are known for the festivals associated with Makar Sankranti by North Indian Hindus and Sikhs such as Magahi or Lohri. In Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as (Pedda Pandwa), Sukhrata in Central India, Magh Bihubis in Assam, and Tamil Nadu it is celebrated as Pongal. For more on regional variations, explore Makar Sankranti in Hindi 2026.

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Makar Sankrant 2026 Date and Time

The festival will be celebrated in January 14, 2026 at 2:49 PM IST. According to Vedic astrology, This festival marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn.This date marks the end of winter and the promise of longer days, symbolizing renewal.

Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal Muhurat 2026

Makar Sankranti 2026 date: 14th January 2026, Wednesd

• Makar Sankranti 2026 Punya Kaal: From 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Duration: 4 hours)
• Makar Sankranti 2026 Maha Punya Kaal Muhurat From 09:00 am to 10:30 am (Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes)

Rituals of Makar Sankranti Festival 2026

Celebrating Makar Sankranti 2026 is a beautiful blend of devotion and tradition. In the morning on Makar Sankranti, a bath should be taken with water mixed with till after getting up early in the morning. After this, clean the place where the puja will be performed after wearing good and clean clothes. Then on the ground, make an Asthadal Kamal (Octal lotus) with Karnika with sandalwood, and pray to the Sun God by invoking him.

After this, it is considered very auspicious to pronounce the holy mantra of the sun god. Thus, bathing in the river on this day is also considered very sacred. Families come together and prepare sweets from jaggery, sesame, and rice, sharing them as prasad. Fly kites in the sky, light bonfires, and give charity to spread the festival's warmth. Kundali matching should be done for success and harmony in married life on Makar Sankranti.

Makar Sankranti Astrological Significance

Astrological insights show that when the Sun moves into Capricorn, it signals the start of Makar Sankranti a powerful turning point. This special shift in the solar calendar strengthens our bond with Lord Surya, bringing hope for new beginnings and a rich harvest. According to astrology and many online astrology beliefs, it is a time to honor Surya Dev, whose blessings ward off negativity and boost career and family prospects.

Makar Sankranti Story

Every festival has its tales, and the Makar Sankranti story is rich with mythology. It is considered that on this auspicious day, Sun God visits his son Shani Dev to meet him at his residence. It has also been said that Shani Dev is the ruling God of Capricorn. That is why this festival is known as Makar Sankranti.

According to some sources, in Mahabharata, the mighty Bhishma Pitamah had chose this  day to leave his mortal body, timing his uttarayan with the Sun's northward path for ultimate moksha. 

Some tales tell how Goddess Sankranti defeated the demon Sankarasur. These stories, plus old harvest traditions, explain the special customs of Makar Sankranti. The festival mixes ancient beliefs, worship of the Sun God, and the farming cycle for everyone who celebrates.