Makar Sankranti 2026: Makar Sankranti, one of the most spiritually significant Hindu festivals, symbolises the journey from darkness to light, ignorance to wisdom, and winter towards the life-giving warmth of spring.
In 2026, however, the festival’s date has triggered widespread confusion, with many wondering whether it should be celebrated on 14 January or 15 January. The answer lies in a careful understanding of astrology, shastra, and sacred timing principles.
Why Makar Sankranti Holds Immense Religious Importance
According to Hindu scriptures, Makar Sankranti marks the moment when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar Rashi) and begins its northward journey, known as Uttarayan. This celestial movement is considered highly auspicious. From this day onward, all positive and sacred activities resume, planetary influences improve, and spiritual energy intensifies.
On this sacred occasion, devotees perform holy bathing, charity (daan), ancestor offerings (tarpan) and prepare the traditional khichdi bhog, believed to invite prosperity, peace and good fortune into one’s life.
Why There Is Confusion About The 2026 Date
Astrologer Anish Vyas explains that Makar Sankranti is observed based on the Sun’s actual transit into Capricorn, combined with the principle of Udaya Tithi (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise).
In 2026, the Sun enters Capricorn on 14 January at 3:07 PM
Because this transition occurs in the afternoon, many are uncertain whether the festival should be observed the same day or the following morning.
14 Or 15 January: Which Is The Correct Day?
14 January 2026 – The Transit-Based Celebration
Astrologically, the moment the Sun enters Capricorn itself defines the festival. Hence, many scholars affirm that 14 January is the primary and correct date. The Panchang also assigns the Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal on this day. Since Ekadashi also falls on 14 January, devotees observing Sankranti on this date are advised to prepare khichdi and perform rice donations on 15 January.
15 January 2026 – The Udaya Tithi Observance
According to classical texts, Makar Sankranti rituals such as holy bathing and charity should be performed during the sunrise following the Sun’s transit. Therefore, 15 January becomes ideal for snan-daan activities.
Because the Sun’s transit occurs in the afternoon, 14 January 2026 remains the universally accepted date of Makar Sankranti, while 15 January is best for sacred bathing and charity rituals.
Makar Sankranti 2026 beautifully aligns cosmic movement with spiritual renewal. Whether you observe it on the day of transit or during the sacred sunrise rituals, the festival’s true essence lies in gratitude, giving, devotion and inner illumination.