Makar Sankranti — Sun's entry from Sagittarius to Capricorn. Beginning of Uttarayana. Makar Sankranti 2026 on 14 January (Wednesday). Solar festival — not lunar tithi — hence almost-same date every year.
Regional names: Uttarayan (Gujarat-Rajasthan), Lohri (Punjab, 13 January), Pongal (Tamil Nadu, 4 days), Makar Vilakku (Kerala), Maghi (Himachal), Bihu (Assam).
✦ Makar Sankranti 2026 — Time & Special
Sun enters Capricorn: 14 January 2026 (Wed) 8:53 AM (Delhi).
Punya-kaal: 14 Jan 8:53 AM to 5:30 PM. Maha-punya-kaal: 8:53 AM-12:30 PM.
Ganga-snan time: Sunrise to punya-kaal end. Crores bathe at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Gangasagar.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Makar Sankranti date almost-fixed?▼
Solar festival. Not lunar. Sun's Capricorn-entry every 365.25 days. Date 0.25 day forward per year — 1 day every 4 years. 1900: 13 Jan, 2025: 14 Jan, 2100: 15 Jan.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.