Makar Sankranti is one of the most important and auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar. It marks a major astronomical event when the Sun enters Capricorn. This change signals the end of harsh winter days and the beginning of warmer, longer days, symbolizing renewal, positivity, spiritual growth, and harvest.
In 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on 14 January. All across India, people come together to celebrate regional harvest festivals like Pongal, Magh Bihu, Paush Parbon and Uttarayan, making it a festival of unity and gratitude.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date and Muhurta
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According to Drik Panchang,
Makar Sankranti Date: 14 January 2026
Punya Kaal Period: 2 hours 32 minutes
Maha Punya Kaal Period: 1 hour 45 minutes
Makar Sankranti Muhurta
According to Drik Panchang,
Rituals and prayers should be performed during the Punya Kaal, which is considered the most auspicious time.
Punya Kaal: 3:13 pm to 5:45 pm
Maha Punya Kaal: 3:13 pm to 4:58 pm
Performing rituals during this period is believed to provide spiritual merit and positive energy.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Mythological beliefs
According to Hindu mythology, Sankranti is considered to be the deity who defeated the demon Shankarasura on this day. The next day, the deity is said to have destroyed another demon, Kinkarasura.
The festival also marks the end of the inauspicious phase that begins in mid-December, known as Kharvans in Hindi.
The importance of this day has been highlighted in the Mahabharata. After being injured in the battle, Bhishma Pitamah decided to leave his mortal body only after the beginning of Uttarayan, believing it to be the most auspicious time to attain salvation.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Puja method and rituals
Makar Sankranti is mainly dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya (Sun God).
Common rituals include:
wake up early and take bath before sunrise
Offer water from Kalash to Sun God
Offer sesame, rice, red flowers and water
Apply sandalwood tilak on the idol or picture of Lord Surya.
Offer Khichdi and dress the Lord in red or yellow clothes.
These rituals express gratitude to the Sun for sustaining life and ensuring prosperity.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Mantras to chant
Devotees chant sacred mantras to get blessings, good health and positivity.
Popular mantras include:
Aditya Hridaya Stotram
Surya Gayatri Mantra
Surya Beej Mantra:
Om Ghrini Surya Namah
Om Hreem Hreem Suryay Namah
These mantras are believed to bring confidence, success and inner strength.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Traditions
According to Drik Panchang, Makar Sankranti 2026 is celebrated with various traditional customs across India. Devotees wake up early, take a ritual bath and offer water, sesame seeds, rice and flowers to the Sun God (Surya) to express gratitude for the good harvest. People prepare special dishes like til-gur (sesame seeds and jaggery sweets) and khichdi, fly kites and participate in community celebrations. Wearing bright clothes, donating and following auspicious rituals are also integral parts of the festival, making it a time of joy, spirituality and togetherness.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Significance
Makar Sankranti celebrates the life-giving power of the Sun and the abundance of nature. It is a time to thank God for prosperity and seek spiritual upliftment. For farming communities, this festival marks the joy after the winter harvest and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.
The blend of spiritual beliefs, seasonal changes and cultural traditions makes Makar Sankranti one of the most meaningful and widely celebrated festivals in India.
Makar Sankranti 2026 is more than just a festival – it is a celebration of light, life and new beginnings. As the sun moves north, the occasion inspires hope, gratitude and spiritual awakening. Whether through prayers, donations, or joyful traditions like kite flying, Makar Sankranti reminds us to welcome positivity and abundance into our lives.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not confirm its accuracy or reliability.)