Makar Sankranti 2026 marks the sun’s transition into the Capricorn (Makara) zodiac, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days. It’s a major harvest festival celebrated with immense joy across India under different names like Pongal, Lohri, and Uttarayan.
In Tamil Nadu, the same days are celebrated as the Pongal festival (Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, Kaanum Pongal).
🗺️ What is Sankranti Called in Different States?
The same festival has different names across India:
- Makar Sankranti: North India, Maharashtra, Odisha.
- Pongal: Tamil Nadu.
- Uttarayan: Gujarat.
- Magh Bihu: Assam.
- Sankranti: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka.
📆 Sankranti 2026 Festival Days (Telugu Calendar)
Sankranti is not one day but a 4-day harvest festival, especially in South India.
| Day | Date | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Bhogi | Jan 14 | Day of cleaning, discarding old items. |
| Sankranti (Main Day) | Jan 15 | Main day for prayers, feasts, and family. |
| Kanuma | Jan 16 | Day to honor and thank cattle. |
| Mukkanuma | Jan 17 | Day for community feasts and gatherings. |
మకర సంక్రాంతి శుభ ముహూర్తం జనవరి 14న మధ్యాహ్నం 3:13 గంటలకు ప్రారంభమవుతుంది, మరియు శుభ ముహూర్తం కూడా మధ్యాహ్నం 3:13 గంటలకు ప్రారంభమై సాయంత్రం 4:58 వరకు ఉంటుంది. ఈ రోజు గంగానదిలో స్నానం ఉదయం 9:03 నుండి 10:48 వరకు ఉంటుంది.
Why is Makar Sankranti Celebrated? (Simple Significance)
Makar Sankranti is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of nature’s cycles:
- Solar Festival: It’s one of the few ancient Hindu festivals based on the solar calendar.
- Harvest Thanksgiving: Farmers give thanks for a bountiful winter harvest (like sugarcane, sesame, and pulses).
- New Beginnings: Symbolizes the move from darkness to light, inviting positivity and new projects.
- Cultural Unity: Celebrated nationwide as Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Lohri (Punjab), Uttarayan (Gujarat), and Magh Bihu (Assam).
How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti: Traditions & Rituals
Here are simple ways to observe the festival:
- Holy Dip: Taking a bath in sacred rivers like the Ganga is believed to cleanse sins. A bath at home with sesame seeds is also common.
- Offer Prayers: Offer prayers to Lord Surya (Sun God) for health and prosperity.
- Fly Kites: The famous “Uttarayan” kite flying symbolizes reaching towards the divine and enjoying the seasonal sun.
- Prepare Festive Food: The festival is known for its traditional treats made from til (sesame) and gud (jaggery), like Til Laddoo and Gajak. These ingredients symbolize warmth and sweetness.
- Share and Give: It’s a day for sharing food, clothes, and donations with the less fortunate.
FAQs for Makar Sankranti 2026
Q: Is Sankranti on January 14 or 15 in 2026?
A: The main celebrations will be on January 14, 2026. The exact astronomical moment is in the early hours of January 15th.
Q: What is the best time for Sankranti puja on Jan 14, 2026?
A: The daylight hours, especially around sunrise and the morning, are considered the most auspicious.
Q: Why do we eat sesame seeds on Sankranti?
A: Sesame seeds are warming and are believed to protect the body during the last days of winter. Paired with jaggery, they represent a balance of health and sweetness in life.
Q: Why two different dates for Sankranti 2026?
A: The Sun’s movement date (Jan 14) is fixed by science. The celebration date (Jan 15) is set by traditional calendars based on sunrise.
Q: How many days is Sankranti 2026?
A: The full festival is 3-4 days long, from Bhogi to Mukkanuma.
Q: Is Sankranti a public holiday?
A: Yes, January 15, 2026 is a public holiday in many Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
Celebrate the festival of harvest and sunlight! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and enjoy the traditions, food, and togetherness that Makar Sankranti brings. Have a prosperous and sweet Sankranti!
