Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Timings, Puja Vidhi & Spiritual Significance

Makar Sankranti is believed to be one of the most sacred Hindu festivals celebrated in our country during the mid-harvest season. It represents sun going into the Capricorn or Makara zodiac sign. The divine importance of Makar Sankranti comes from the fact that the festival concludes Sun’s journey towards south or Dakshinayan, thereby starting the phase of Uttarayan. Spiritual leaders say that Uttarayan is one of the best time periods for growing spiritually, starting new endeavours and engaging in charity for inner purification. Let’s explore the spiritual importance, date, timing and puja Vidhi of this sacred festival.


Associated with the celebrations related to harvest that happen throughout India, Makar Sankranti, is the most suitable period for achieving positivity, rejuvenation and overall prosperity. In different regions, the festival is celebrated in different names. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Pongal, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Khichdi in Uttar Pradesh and it is deeply related to Maghi and Lohri in Punjab. A key aspect of this day is the instance of Sun’s movement into Capricorn, thereby concluding winter and marking the beginning of longer days.


During this period, children share their happiness by flying kites. Feasts and prayers will be offered to the Sun God or Lord Surya. Furthermore, doing charity on this day will gift us Bhagwan’s blessings and, as a result, fill our homes with abundance and harmony.



Wednesday, January 14, 2026 is the date of observing Makar Sankranti this year. According to Drik Panchang, auspicious timings are:

Makara Sankranti Punya Kala: 03:13 PM to 05:45 PM

Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala: 03:13 PM to 04:58 PM

Makara Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM


Traditionally, devotees wake up during the Brahma Muhurta on this day. Then, after taking a holy dip in a divine river such as Yamuna, Ganga or Godavari, they start offering sincere prayers to Lord Surya. Remember to wear fresh and clean clothes throughout the day.

Arghya should be offered to Sun God. Chanting mantras related to Surya is said to provide both spiritual upliftment and material prosperity. Pujas should be conducted with jaggery, rice, incense, til, fruits and so forth. Most importantly, offering food, blankets, clothes or items that are made up of sesame, will purify your soul, preparing it for a new beginning. Families also prepare and enjoy sweets such as traditional till, pongal or chikkis.

Let’s make the best use of this great opportunity for deep inner cleansing and starting anew. Begin preparing for this auspicious day from today onwards. With Lord Surya’s blessings almost all the obstacles that are lying in front of us will be destroyed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which color to wear on Makar Sankranti?
   You can wear yellow coloured dress on Makar Sankranti. It symbolises sunshine, prosperity, harvest, and hope.
2. What to avoid on Makar Sankranti?
   On Makar Sankranti avoid negative actions like sleeping late, eating non-sattvic foods such as onion, garlic, meat, alcohol and using abusive language.
3. Which is the special food of Makar Sankranti?
   Khichdi, a mix of rice, lentils, and spices, is considered highly auspicious and is widely prepared across India during Makar Sankranti.