When is Makar Sankranti 2026? History, significance, story and all you need to know

Makar Sankranti is one of the most ancient and widely celebrated festivals in India. Unlike most Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, this festival is based on the solar calendar, and it marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), a celestial event symbolising the end of winter and the beginning of warmer days. This festival has religious, agricultural, cultural, and astronomical significance in India and other parts of South Asia. It marks an occasion of rejoice and reflection for the community and for religious groups.According to Drik Panchang, in 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, 2026 on Wednesday. Makara Sankranti Punya Kala - 03:13 PM to 05:45 PMMakara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala - 03:13 PM to 04:58 PMMakara Sankranti Moment - 03:13 PMSome traditions and local calendars sometimes suggest ritual observances extend into the next day (Jan 15) due to variances in sunrise-based calculations, but the astronomical transition of the Sun into Capricorn happens on January 14 itself. Makar Sankranti is one of the earliest festivals that have been mentioned in ancient Indian traditions and texts. The origin of Makar Sankranti dates back to the Vedic Era, where ancient civilisations were known to have tracked and synchronised their lives with the movements of the Sun in a significant manner. The term “Sankranti” stands for the Sun's passage into a particular “zodiac sign,” and “Makara” is known to denote “Capricorn.” This particular festival is celebrated to acknowledge the day when the Sun enters the sign of Capricorn, thus beginning the journey towards the north, which is called “Uttarayan.” Because it is based on the solar calendar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated at nearly the same time every year, usually around January 14.The importance of Makar Sankranti is embedded in its significant astronomical and spiritual significance. In terms of astronomy, the importance of Makar Sankranti is the sun’s shift, as it enters the northern parts of the Earth, leading to longer and warmer days. Another spiritual aspect of the festival is its occurrence around the harvest season in many parts of the country. The significance of the festival in this case is the harvest season and the need for an abundant yield.Spiritually, the commencement of Uttarayan is extremely auspicious. This is the time of positive energies that are most appropriate for prayer sessions, meditation, and charitable works. Activities that include holy baths in rivers, offering water to the sun god, as well as the distribution of food, sesame seeds, jaggery, and clothing are associated with purification of the body and soul and a sense of social integration. There are a few mythological tales related to Makar Sankranti, which adds a spiritual element to it. One example is from the Mahabharata, which states that the Bhishma Pitamah, wounded in battle, waited on his bed of arrows for this auspicious day (Uttarayan) to leave his mortal body, believing it grants salvation (moksha).Another significant set of beliefs is the worship of Surya or the Sun God, which is the symbol of life, health, and knowledge. In some traditions, the Makar Sankranti celebrations are additionally associated with myths that symbolise the victory of good over evil and the emergence from the dark ages and darkness to radiance. Such myths in totality symbolise the associated message of new hope and advancement towards positiveness. Surya puja and holy bathsOne of the most important practices on Makar Sankranti is to take a holy dip, especially in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, etc. This ritual is believed to cleanse one’s sins and usher in prosperity.After the bath, devotees offer water to the Sun (Surya), along with sesame seeds (til), rice and red flowers, a gesture of gratitude for the life-giving energy the Sun provides.Charity and “Daan”Giving to the needy, especially til (sesame), jaggery, and food grains, is considered highly auspicious on this day. These acts of charity are believed to bring blessings and reduce past karmic burdens.Traditional foodsAcross India, people prepare and share sesame and jaggery sweets (tilgul, laddoos), symbolising warmth and communal harmony. Different regions have unique festive foods, for example, Karnataka offers Ellu Bella, while in Gujarat and Rajasthan kite festivals and festive feasts are common.Kite flying and community funIn states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, the festival turns into a kite-flying celebration. The skies fill with colourful kites, symbolising freedom and festive joy.Makar Sankranti is a festival that beautifully blends astronomy, tradition, culture, and spirituality. Whether it’s taking a holy dip, flying kites, enjoying tilgul with loved ones or offering charity, this festival reminds us of the interconnectedness of nature and human life, of seasons, harvests and the life-giving Sun.