makar sankranti 2026Image Credit source: AI
Makar Sankranti 2026 Date: Makar Sankranti, one of the major festivals of Hinduism (Makar Sankranti) There is often confusion in people’s minds regarding whether this festival will be celebrated on 14 January or 15 January. This festival is directly related to the movement of the Sun, hence its date keeps changing slightly. But, this confusion can be removed by astrological calculations and accurate assessment of the Panchang. Come, let us know on which day the festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated in the year 2026 and what is the exact reason behind it.
Exact date of Makar Sankranti in the year 2026
According to almanac and astrological calculations, in the year 2026, the festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14. The transition of the Sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn is called ‘Makar Sankranti’. Since Sun God is entering Capricorn on the date of 14th January, it would be according to the scriptures to celebrate Sankranti on this day. According to the calendar, the festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, 14 January in the year 2026.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal
Bathing, charity and worship have special significance on the day of Makar Sankranti. By doing all these works during the virtuous period and the great virtuous period, one gets many times more results.
holy period time period
- Makar Sankranti Punya Kaal: It will last for 2 hours 32 minutes from 3:13 pm to 5:45 pm.
- Makar Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal will last for 1 hour 45 minutes from 3:13 pm to 4:58 pm.
Maha Punya Kaal is the most auspicious time in which taking bath, charity, tarpan and puja is considered very fruitful.
Religious importance of Makar Sankranti
The festival of Makar Sankranti is dedicated to Sun God. It is believed that on this day Sun God goes to his son Shani Dev’s house (Capricorn). Therefore, on this day there is a coincidence of meeting of father and son.
Beginning of Uttarayan: From this day the Sun changes from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan. Uttarayan is considered the day of the Gods, which marks the beginning of auspicious works.
Kite Festival: In many states, especially Gujarat, this day is also called ‘Uttarayan’ and the festival of kite flying is celebrated.
Importance of bathing: By bathing in holy rivers and donating on this day, one attains salvation and brings happiness and prosperity in life. Donating sesame, jaggery, khichdi and blanket on this day is considered very auspicious.
Why is there confusion?
There is confusion regarding the date of Sankranti because the Sun enters Capricorn almost every year on 14 January. However, once every four years, the entry of the Sun occurs late in the evening or at night, due to which Sankranti is celebrated on the next day i.e. 15 January. But, in the year 2026, the transit of Sun is happening on 14 January only, hence Sankranti will be celebrated on this day.
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.