Makar Sankranti 2026: The Makar Sankranti festivals hold great importance in Hinduism. It is celebrated when the sun moves into the Zodiac sign of Capricorn. Makar Sankranti is the first festival of the year. After this festival, the days begin to get longer. This year, Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 14th. It’s interesting to note that this festival is celebrated in various ways across different states.
Auspicious time of Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti 2026: Shubh Muhurat
- Makara Sankranti Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Makara Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM
- Punya Kaal Muhurta:
- Start: 03:13 PM
- End: 05:45 PM
- Duration: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Maha Punya Kaal:
- Start: 03:13 PM
- End: 04:58 PM
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Things to Avoid on Makar Sankranti
- On Makar Sankranti, eat simple and pure vegetarian food. Refrain from consuming garlic and onions today due to their association with impurity.
- Do not consume non-vegetarian food (meat), tobacco, or drink alcohol.
- Avoid indulging in negativity, anger, or jealousy. Focus on positive emotions and good intentions.
- Stay away from old or leftover food. People believe that eating Khichdi brings good luck on this day.
- If someone comes to your door asking for help, don’t turn them away empty-handed. Give them something, like money, food, grains, or clothes, according to what you can afford.
- Avoid using bad or harsh words on Makar Sankranti, as it can bring negative results. Stay positive and kind on this special day.
- Try to avoid excessive sleep during the day.
Things to Do on Makar Sankranti
- One of the most popular activities on Makar Sankranti is flying colorful kites.
- People believe that bathing and giving donations are very important to Makar Sankranti. So, make sure to donate on this day. Include items like sesame seeds, rice, and jaggery in your donations.
- On Makar Sankranti, take a bath in a river. If possible, take a dip in the holy river Ganga (Ganga Snan).
- Worship the Sun God properly. Also, sprinkle Ganga water all around your home.
- Indulge in traditional Makar Sankranti delicacies like til ladoo, revdi, and peanuts.
- Decorate your home with colorful rangoli designs and flowers.
- People believe it is very lucky to give offerings to honor their ancestors on Makar Sankranti. You can perform rituals like Shradh on this day, which brings blessings from your ancestors.
- Gather with loved ones to celebrate the festival with joy and laughter.
Places that celebrate Makar Sankranti in India
| State/Region | Celebration Name | Notable Activities |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal | Four-day festival |
| Andhra Pradesh | Makar Sankranti | Four-day event |
| Punjab | Lohri | Celebrated on the eve of Makar Sankranti |
| Madhya Pradesh | Makar Sankranti | Exchanging programs and sweets |
| Odisha | Makar Sankranti | Lighting bonfires, communal dining |
| Assam | Bhogali Bihu | – |
| West Bengal | Sankranti | Three-day event |
| Delhi & Haryana | Sukarat | – |
| Gujarat | Uttarayan | – |
| Maharashtra | Makar Sankranti | – |
Also Read: Khatu Shyam Ji: The Most Powerful Deity in Rajasthan, India
