2026 is here, and India, the land of festivals, is gearing up for its first festival, Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayana, Sankranti, or even Makara, will be celebrated on January 14, 2026. It is one of those festivals that is celebrated in different forms in different places across India. But what is the significance of this festival? Where should you head to celebrate it? Here’s everything you must know.
All About Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Muhurat Timings And More
Makar Sankranti or Uttarayana is basically the celebration of the Sun’s transition from the zodiac sign Sagittarius to Capricorn. This transition is said to mark the beginning of longer days or Uttarayana and the end of the winter season. It is also marked as the new harvest season, expressing gratitude towards the agricultural yield.
This festival generally falls on January 14 every year, and this year too, the date is the same. The most auspicious timing or shubh muhurat on Makar Sankranti is from 03:13 PM to 05:45 PM. The exact moment when the sun will transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn is 03:13 PM.
It is believed that right from the moment of transition, the next 8 hours are the most auspicious and the period is known as “Punyakaal”. During this time, you must take dips in the holy water and do charity to get the blessings of the Sun god.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Rituals
On Makar Sankranti, the Sun god is worshipped. You should take a bath in the river Ganga during the auspicious muhurat. If you are unable to do so, you can add a few drops of Gangajal to your bathing water and take a bath at the muhurat. After this, you must offer water to the Sun god. The water must be offered in a copper vessel, with sesame seeds, rice grains, and red flowers. Make sure you chant “Om Suryay Namah” while offering water.
You must also donate items khichdi, jaggery, and sesame seeds to get rid of any problems associated with your kundli. Also, it is believed that donating things on this day to the poor and needy brings in abundance and prosperity.
Stories About Makar Sankranti
There are numerous Indian mythological stories associated with Makar Sankranti.
- Holy Bath: On Makar Sankranti, it is believed that the penance of sage Bhagirathi brought the Ganga to earth, ending a year-long famine. This day is therefore considered auspicious for holy river baths.
- Lord Vishnu’s triumph: According to some Hindu scriptures, on this day, Lord Vishnu defeated demons like Sankarasur and Kinkarasur. This defeat symbolised the triumph of good over evil.
- Reunion: The transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn in Hindu scriptures means the Sun god visiting his son Shani, who is the ruler of the zodiac sign Capricorn. It actually signifies familial harmony and reunion.
- Salvation: According to the mythology of the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah, who was given the boon to choose the day of his death, decided the day to be Makar Sankranti. The reason was that it is said to be the most auspicious day leading to salvation or moksha.
Where To Celebrate Makar Sankranti In India 2026
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with a lot of excitement and joy. This festival has its unique and regional name as well as significance in various parts of India. It is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Maghi Bihu in Assam, and Uttarayan in Gujarat.
To witness the best of Makar Sankranti festivities, you can visit Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Assam, West Bengal, and Chennai.
Ahmedabad
The city celebrates Uttarayan as a kite festival, where the sky is filled with colourful kites. They also host the International Kite Festival, where participants, including foreigners, come with large kites with unique designs, making it one of the most loved and photographed events in India.
Varanasi
People flock to Varanasi to take a dip in the holy Ganga water, which is considered to be an important part of Makar Sankranti rituals. In the evening, people witness the beautiful and spiritual Ganga aarti.
Assam
Assam celebrates the end of the harvest season on Makar Sankranti, which is known as Maghi Bihu. The day is all about delicious feasts, warm bonfires, and traditional games. The celebrations start with bonfires and temporary huts where people relish delicious food dishes. They sing traditional songs, dance, and also take hoy dips.
West Bengal
Every year on Makar Sankranti, West Bengal hosts the Gangasagar Mela at Kapalmuni’s ashram. The mela is held for devotees to take a dip in the holy Ganges water and the Bay of Bengal. The confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal is known as Gangasagar, and hence the name. This holy dip is believed to wash away a person’s sins and take them closer to salvation.
Chennai
Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu. It is a multi-day harvest festival that honors the Sun God, nature, and cattle. People decorate their house with flowers, make beautiful kolam designs, and cook ceremonial Pongal rice in earthen pots. They have communal feasts, bull-taming events, and cattle worship, too.
Summing Up
Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14, and you can visit Chennai, West Bengal, Assam, Varanasi, and Ahmedabad to celebrate it. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now!
FAQs
Which are the best places for the Kite Flying Festival in India 2026?
Gujarat and the Rann of Kutch
What are the Gangasagar Mela 2026 dates?
The tentative dates are January 10 to January 17, 2026.
What are the International Kite Festival Ahmedabad 2026 dates?
The International Kite Festival Ahmedabad 2026 will be held from January 10 to January 14.
What are the Varanasi Ganga Aarti timings on Makar Sankranti?
Evening aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat starts around 6:00-6:30 PM
What are the Pongal 2026 festival dates in Tamil Nadu?
The Pongal 2026 festival dates are January 14 to January 17.
Is Makar Sankranti on January 14 or 15 in 2026?
It is on January 14, 2025.
What is the significance of the Uttarayan period?
Uttarayan signifies the journey of the Sun towards the north, which is known to bring abundance and victory of good over bad.
What are the traditional foods of Makar Sankranti?
Undhiyu, sesame seeds laddoo or til laddoo, gur, and chikki.
