Makar Sankranti 2026 marks the solar transition of Surya Dev into the Capricorn (Makar) sign, occurring on January 14, 2026 at 3:13 PM. However, the Punya Kaal Muhurat — the most auspicious period for holy dips, charity, and religious rituals — falls on January 15 from sunrise to 1:00 PM. The festival is celebrated across India as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Rajasthan. State governments issued varying holiday notifications: Uttar Pradesh declared January 15 a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. Makar Sankranti signifies the northward journey of the Sun (Uttarayan), traditionally marking the beginning of auspicious days (Shubh Maas), harvest celebrations, and kite-flying festivals across India.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Sun Transits Capricorn, Punya Kaal Falls on January 14–15
Makar Sankranti 2026 sees the Sun enter Capricorn on January 14 at 3:13 PM, with the auspicious Punya Kaal on January 15. Celebrated as Pongal, Lohri, and Uttarayan across India, it marks the solar Uttarayan.
Key facts
- Makar Sankranti 2026 occurs on January 14 when the Sun enters Capricorn at 3:13 PM.
- The auspicious Punya Kaal falls on January 15 during this transition.
- The festival marks the beginning of Uttarayan — the northward journey of the Sun.
- It is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab and Uttarayan in Gujarat.
- Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar.
- The festival signifies the harvest season and is associated with charity and community feasts.
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On Makar Sankranti 2026, into which zodiac sign did the Sun (Surya Dev) transit?
Makar Sankranti 2026 marks the solar transition of Surya Dev into the Capricorn (Makar) sign, occurring on January 14, 2026 at 3:13 PM. It signifies Uttarayan, the northward journey of the Sun.
Source: Business Standard / DD News / DNA India
Frequently asked questions
When does the Sun enter Capricorn (Makar Rashi) in 2026 and when does the Punya Kaal fall?
In 2026, the Sun enters Capricorn on January 14 at 3:13 PM. The auspicious Punya Kaal falls on January 15 during this solar transition.
How is Makar Sankranti known by different names across Indian states?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. It is one of the few Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar rather than the lunar calendar.
What is the astronomical significance of Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of Uttarayan — the northward journey of the Sun — as it moves from the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Tropic of Cancer. This transition signifies longer days and shorter nights.
What is the cultural and agricultural significance of Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season in many parts of India and is associated with charity (daan), community feasts, and flying kites. It signifies prosperity and thanksgiving for the harvest.
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