Makar Sankranti Holiday 2026: Makar Sankranti Holiday:  Like almost every festival celebrated across the country, there's considerable confusion surrounding Makar Sankranti this year. Some people are talking about celebrating Makar Sankranti on January 14th, as usual, while others say the auspicious time for the festival is January 15th. Consequently, confusion persists regarding school holidays. Uttar Pradesh is the first state to change the Makar Sankranti holiday. Let's find out when Makar Sankranti holidays will be announced in which states. 

Also Read: MP Board New Exam Dates 2026: MPBSE Releases Revised Schedule For Class 10, 12 Board Examinations, Details Here

The festival is celebrated across the country

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in many states of India. However, different states celebrate it in slightly different ways. South India celebrates it as Pongal, Punjab as Maghi, and Gujarat as Uttarayan. On this day, people bathe and enjoy kite flying. They also enjoy sweets made from jaggery and sesame seeds. 

When is Makar Sankranti holiday in UP?

In Uttar Pradesh, like many other states across the country, the Makar Sankranti holiday was originally scheduled for January 14th, but it has now been extended by one day to January 15th. According to the government order, all government offices, schools, and other institutions in the state will be completely closed on Thursday, January 15th, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. 

Also Read: UGC NET December 2026 Answer Key: NTA Announces Answer Key Release Date For All 85 Subjects At ugcnet.nta.nic.in, Check All Details

When will schools remain closed in Punjab?

The festival of Lohri is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Punjab. This is why all schools in Punjab were closed until January 13th. This means that schools in Punjab are closed until Lohri. However, the government has not issued any information regarding whether Makar Sankranti will be a holiday in the state. Currently, the order to reopen schools in Punjab from January 14th is in effect. 

But as per the latest news, the Chandigarh administration has extended school holidays until January 17 due to concerns about children's health amid dense fog and biting cold. Schools were previously scheduled to reopen on January 14. 

What is the condition of other states?

Most schools in Delhi-NCR are already on winter vacation until January 15th. Due to the cold wave, all but a few classes have been closed. This will cover the holidays for Lohri and Makar Sankranti. In the South, holidays are from January 14th to 16th for Bhogi and Pongal.

In Gujarat, most schools will be closed on January 15th for Uttarayan. Telangana and Assam have also declared holidays on January 14th and 15th due to festivals. Several districts in Madhya Pradesh have also declared holidays on January 14th and 15th.