One app for all your study abroad needs
Makar Sankranti Festival 2026 marks one of the most important and joyful festivals in India, celebrated to welcome the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). Observed every year in mid-January, Makar Sankranti 2026 symbolises new beginnings, positivity, and prosperity. This festival holds deep cultural, agricultural, and spiritual significance as it represents the end of winter and the start of longer, warmer days. Across different regions, it is celebrated with unique traditions such as kite flying, holy river baths, charity, and preparing special sweets.
The festival highlights gratitude towards nature, the Sun God, and the harvest that sustains life. In this blog, we provide complete details about Makar Sankranti 2026 including the exact date and time, the story behind the festival, its significance, and important points you should know.
Contents
When is Makar Sankranti Celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year in mid-January, usually on 14 January, and sometimes on 15 January. Unlike most Indian festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, which makes its date almost fixed each year.
In 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on 14 January 2026.
This festival marks the moment when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara) and begins its northward journey, known as Uttarayan. This astronomical transition is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition.
- Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals with a fixed date.
- It is observed when the Sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn.
- The festival signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer days.
- Uttarayan is believed to be a favourable period for spiritual growth and positivity.
- Many people take a holy bath in rivers during the early morning of Makar Sankranti.
- Charity, donations, and helping the needy are considered very auspicious on this day.
- Farmers celebrate it as a harvest festival, thanking nature for good crops.
- The festival is celebrated under different names across India, but the date remains almost the same.
Also Read: Earth’s Rotation Day
Makar Sankranti is Celebrated in which State?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across almost every state of India, but each region observes it in its own unique way, reflecting local culture, crops, and traditions. Although the name Makar Sankranti is commonly used in North and Central India, the festival is known by different names in different states.
Uttar Pradesh
- Celebrated as Makar Sankranti or Khichdi Parv
- Holy baths in the Ganga, Yamuna, and other rivers
- Large fairs and charity events are organised
Bihar
- Known as Khichdi
- Special khichdi is prepared and offered to deities
- People take holy river baths and donate food
Gujarat
- Famous as Uttarayan
- Known worldwide for kite flying festivals
- Homes prepare sweets made from sesame and jaggery
Rajasthan
- Celebrated as Sankrant
- Women exchange sweets and gifts
- Kite flying is a major attraction
Maharashtra
- Known as Makar Sankranti
- People exchange til-gud (sesame sweets) saying positive words
- Wearing black clothes is considered auspicious
Madhya Pradesh
- Celebrated as Sankranti
- Holy baths, donations, and community meals are common
Southern India
Tamil Nadu
- Celebrated as Pongal (4-day harvest festival)
- Dedicated to the Sun God and farmers
- Special dish Pongal is cooked
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
- Known as Sankranti
- Celebrated over several days with rangoli, bull worship, and family gatherings
Karnataka
- Called Suggi or Makara Sankranti
- Sesame sweets are exchanged
- Cultural fairs and rituals are held
Kerala
- Celebrated as part of Makara Vilakku
- Pilgrims visit temples during this period
Eastern & Northeastern India
West Bengal
- Known as Poush Sankranti
- Special sweets like pithe are prepared
- Holy river baths are observed
Assam
- Celebrated as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu
- Marks the harvest season
- Community feasts and bonfires are organised
Also Read: International Day of Charity
Story of Makar Sankranti Festival
The story of the Makar Sankranti Festival is based on a combination of mythological beliefs, spiritual teachings, and astronomical events. The festival highlights the importance of positivity, charity, and new beginnings in life.
- Makar Sankranti marks the day when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn).
- This transition of the Sun is called Uttarayan, which means the Sun starts moving northward.
- Uttarayan is considered a highly auspicious period in Hindu belief.
- It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
- According to mythology, the Sun God visits his son, spreading the message of forgiveness and family unity.
- The festival teaches people to forget past differences and live in harmony.
- A famous legend from the Mahabharata says Bhishma Pitamah waited for Uttarayan to leave his body, believing it would bring salvation.
- It is believed that leaving the body during Uttarayan leads to moksha.
- Another belief says that good deeds done on this day bring special blessings.
- This is why people perform charity, donate food and clothes, and help the needy.
- Holy baths in rivers on Makar Sankranti are believed to wash away sins.
- Overall, the story of Makar Sankranti encourages positive thinking, kindness, gratitude, and spiritual growth.
Significance of Makar Sankranti Festival
The Makar Sankranti Festival holds great importance in religious, cultural, agricultural, and scientific aspects of Indian life. It is one of the few Hindu festivals that follows the solar calendar, making it a symbol of seasonal change and balance in nature.
- Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into Makara (Capricorn).
- This transition begins the Uttarayan period, considered highly auspicious.
- The festival symbolises the end of winter and the start of longer, warmer days.
- It represents the victory of light over darkness and positivity over negativity.
- Worship of the Sun God highlights gratitude for energy, life, and good health.
- Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival, celebrating new crops and farmers’ hard work.
- Special foods made of sesame (til) and jaggery (gud) signify warmth, unity, and sweetness in relationships.
- Taking a holy bath in rivers is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual purity.
- Charity and donations on this day are believed to bring peace, prosperity, and blessings.
- Kite flying symbolises freedom, joy, and reaching towards the sky.
- The festival encourages social bonding, family unity, and sharing with others.
- Scientifically, the Sun’s northward movement is linked to better climate and human health.
Also Read: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
FAQs
Makar Sankranti is celebrated to mark the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn) and the beginning of the Uttarayan period, which is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. The festival symbolises the end of winter, the arrival of longer days, and the victory of light over darkness and positivity over negativity. It is also observed as a harvest festival, expressing gratitude to the Sun God and nature for good crops, prosperity, and new beginnings, while encouraging charity, unity, and spiritual growth.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14 January this year. The festival is based on the solar calendar, and it marks the day when the Sun enters the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). In most years, this transition happens on 14 January, while in rare cases it may fall on 15 January due to astronomical calculations – but this year, Makar Sankranti is observed on 14 January.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great joy and devotion across India by welcoming the Sun’s northward journey. People begin the day with holy river baths, worship the Sun God, and offer prayers for health and prosperity. Families prepare and share traditional foods made from sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolising warmth and harmony. In many regions, kite flying, community gatherings, and harvest celebrations are organised. Acts of charity, donation, and helping the needy are considered very auspicious on this day, making Makar Sankranti a festival of gratitude, unity, and new beginnings.
Relevant Blogs
| National Bird Day | National Science Fiction Day |
| Lohri Festival 2026 | Happy Lohri Wishes |
| Veer Bal Diwas | National Youth Day |
This was all about Sankranti. For more such articles, make sure to check the trending events page of Leverage Edu.
