मकर संक्रांति
Makar Sankranti
The day the Sun enters Capricorn and begins its northward journey, celebrated with kites, til and holy dips.
About Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals fixed by the Sun rather than the Moon. It marks the Sun entering Makara rashi and the start of Uttarayan, the six months considered most auspicious.
It is celebrated across India under many names: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat with kite flying, Maghi in Punjab, Bhogali Bihu in Assam and Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
How to celebrate
Take a holy dip at sunrise, in a river if you can.
Offer water and til to the Sun.
Eat and share til laddoos, chikki and khichdi.
Donate til, jaggery, blankets and food during the Punya Kaal.
Fly kites with family on the rooftop.
Questions
When is Makar Sankranti in 2026?
Makar Sankranti 2026 is on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
When does the Sun change sign for Makar Sankranti 2026?
The Sun enters the new sign at 3:07 PM on Wednesday 14 January IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Why does Makar Sankranti fall on 14 or 15 January?
It follows the Sun entering sidereal Capricorn. When this happens after sunset, the festival is observed the next day, so the date moves between 14 and 15 January.
What is Punya Kaal on Makar Sankranti?
The auspicious period after the Sun changes sign, best for a holy bath and charity.
Around Makar Sankranti
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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