• Source:JND

Makar Sankranti 2026 Date And Time: The excitement and joy of Makar Sankranti also come with a yearly confusion regarding its date and time, whether it is on January 14th or January 15th. The Hindu harvest festival marks the welcoming of Lord Sun's journey towards the north into Capricorn (Makar in Hindi). The day is also a reminder of the end of the winter season and the start of longer days (Uttarayan).

In 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, i.e. the 14th of January. According to the Drik Panchang, the auspicious Sankranti time is at 3:13 PM IST, with Punya Kala from 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM and Maha Punya Kala from 03:13 PM to 04:58 PM.

January 14 Details: 

  • Sankranti: 3:13 PM IST

  • Punya Kala: 3:13 PM - 5:45 PM

  • Maha Punya Kala: 3:13 PM - 4:58 PM

The confusion in dates comes from differences in tithi calculations and sunrise at various locations. When Sankranti is close to sunset, January 15th, practices continue. However, this year's Sankranti timings are falling in the afternoon, which eliminates this variation. That is why the dates for Makar Sakranti 2026 in North India are on January 14th. Additionally, in Tamil Nadu (Pongal) and Gujarat (Uttarayan), dates are also the same.

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Devotees start the festivities of Makar Sakranti with holy dips in rivers like the Ganga, followed by Surya Arghya, and also enjoy winter special sesame-jaggery sweets. Kite-flying, lighting bonfires, and dancing are also part of the tradition and spending good time with family and friends. The festival also showcases regional versions across India, like Bihar's Til-Gul celebrations and Assam's Bihu Ban.


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