• Source:JND

The Uttar Pradesh government has revised the Makar Sankranti holiday in the state to January 15 instead of January 14. Besides, the Yogi Adityanath government has also changed the holiday from restricted (optional) to a public holiday.

It means all the public offices will remain closed on January 15. A letter has been issued by the government for this public holiday in all the districts.

Jan 14 was declared as holiday in November 

Earlier in November last year, January 14 was listed as Makar Sankranti holiday. In a press release, the Principal Secretary, UP government, said, "In the list of holidays declared for the year 2026 by the General Administration Section, Government of Uttar Pradesh, vide notification dated November 17, 2025, a restricted holiday was declared on January 14, 2026 (Wednesday) on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, as per serial number 2 of paragraph 2 (II) of the list of restricted holidays for the year 2026."

What did UP govt say?

"After due consideration at the government level, it has been decided to declare a public holiday on January 15, 2026 (Thursday) under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, instead of the restricted holiday declared on January 14, 2026 (Wednesday) on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the statement added.

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"In light of the above decision, a public holiday is hereby declared on January 15, 2026 (Thursday) on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881," the release stated.

Makar Sankranti: Significance

Makar Sankranti is the only Hindu festival finding a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar, due to its observation using solar movement.

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Usually celebrated on January 14, it is the day when the Sun moves from Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi) and enters Capricorn (Makar Rashi). According to the Hindu religion, it is the auspicious day when the Sun begins its journey towards the north, which is called "Uttarayan."

Mostly celebrated on January 14, this year it will be celebrated on January 15.


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