Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, and Significance
In 2026, Makar Sankranti will fall on a Wednesday, January 14th. The festival is associated with the month Magha (Hindu Calendar) and represents the Sun moving into the Sign of Capricorn (Makara). This is a very important time of year for Hindus because it marks the end of the Winter Solstice and the beginning of longer warmer days. Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India with kite flying, taking holy dips in rivers and other bodies of water, and giving to charity.
Before participating in any of the rituals, it’s important to align yourself with the cosmic clock of the Universe before engaging in ritual activities associated with the festival. To see how this change in the Universe affects you personally, please check your Monthly Panchang.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Shubh Muhurat & Tithi Timings
| Event | Timing / Details |
| Makar Sankranti Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Sankranti Punya Kaal | 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM |
| Maha Punya Kaal | 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM |
| Makara Sankranti Moment | 09:02 AM |
| Rahu Kaal (To Avoid) | 12:32 PM to 01:50 PM |
Astro Zindagi Tip: On Makar Sankranti 2026, mix black sesame seeds in your bathing water and donate a blanket to the needy. This simple act honors both Surya and Shani, ensuring health and career stability.
Astrological Significance of Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti is popularly referred to as a food harvest across cultures and civilisations. Still, it is one of the four dates that are most significant when viewed through the lens of Vedic astrology, astronomy, and Solar Calendars.
In the Hindu solar calendar, Sankranti is the only major festival in which you will observe the Sun and moon not moving through the lunar system, unlike many other Hindu festivals. Rather, Makar Sankranti marks the point at which the Sun has moved from Sagittarius (Dhanu) into the Makar Rashi (Capricorn), which is referred to as Sankramana.
From a spiritual perspective, Sankranti marks the beginning of the Uttarayan phase of the Sun’s six-month northern journey. The Puranas refer to this phase of the solar calendar as “Devool Night,” a time of powerful energy, new beginnings, and auspicious spiritual practices. The planetary alignment associated with this event is believed to cleanse the aura and promote mental clarity.
The Nakshatra on which Makar Sankranti falls each year is most commonly referred to as the “vehicle” (Vahan) for Makar Sankranti and provides astrological predictions of financial success throughout the year.
In 2026, the Sun will have entered the Makar Rashi (Capricorn) but will have a significant focus on Saturn, the ruling deity of Capricorn; therefore, all those who utilise Capricorn’s influence in their activities and employ discipline, charity, and hard work will receive the most significant blessings from the Sun during this transition.
How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2026 Puja – Step by Step Instructions
The Makar Sankranti puja assists in harmonising the solar powers in your body and is very joyous to do at home while the big celebrations are happening outside; however, doing the puja is also very peaceful and can inspire you to do something good for yourself, then do it!
- Purification: The day begins with the purification of your body before Sunrise (by taking a bath); if you can’t go to the holy river Ganga, put in a few drops of Ganga water and black sesame seeds (Til) in your bathtub, which represents washing away your past sins.
- Place Lord Vishnu/Sun God Idol and Worship Sun: Clean the puja area, then place an idol of either Lord Vishnu or the Sun God on the puja platform. Light a ghee wick lamp while facing east. To worship the Sun, offer water (Arghya) from a copper kalash (pot), as it rises, with mixed red flowers and uncooked rice (known as akshat or rice which is not cooked) in it.
- Bhog and Offerings: Prepare a special Naivedya (food offering) of til-gul (til = sesame; gul = jaggery) and khichdi (explained more below). These food items are prepared during the change of season, as they are considered heating and gentle on the stomach.
- Chanting of Mantras: After you prepare your puja items, you should sit and chant Surya Aṣṭakṣara or Gayatri Mantra in a meditation position. One good mantra to chant is: Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Suryaya Namah (Translation: I honour that Great Solar Light that creates the light of my intelligence.)
Makar Sankranti 2026: Remedies for Your Zodiac (Rashi Upay)
Zodiac “Upays” or remedies to maximise this solar transition (based on your Moon Sign) for Makar Sankranti 2026 are as follows:
Aries (Mesha): Donate red lentils (Masoor Dal) and jaggery sweets to people in need. This treatment enhances your ruling planet, Mars’ capabilities, and helps establish professional stability.
Taurus (Vrishabha): To balance the earthiness of Capricorn energy, Taurus individuals should donate white clothing or white sesame seeds to a temple priest.
Gemini (Mithuna): Donate green moong dal to improve communication and financial health; perform a “Deep Daan” by lighting a lamp in the temple.
Cancer (Karka): Include black sesame seeds in your bath water. Donating milk or silver-coloured objects will help you achieve emotional balance during this transition.
Leo (Simha): Since the Sun is the ruler of Leo, this day is very important; offer water to the Sun and donate copper utensils to enhance leadership qualities and health.
Virgo (Kanya): Donate green clothing or food to young girls to assist in overcoming obstacles to achieving educational goals or in their careers.
Libra (Tula): Donate sugar, rice, or ghee to create harmony in your life; this donation will assist in creating balance as the Sun transitions through your domicile sign.
Scorpio (Vrishichaka): By mixing jaggery with sesame seeds and distributing them to older adults, you will reduce the negative experience of any Saturn influences on your natal birth chart.
Sagittarius (Dhanu): Donating yellow items, such as turmeric, chickpeas, or yellow fabric, will assist you in developing a greater connection with Jupiter and will bring greater spiritual wisdom into your life.
Capricorn (Makra): As the Sun enters your sign, donate black blankets or umbrellas to poverty-stricken individuals, which will honour Saturn and assist in making this year a good one.
Aquarius (Kumbha): Contribute to an orphanage or donate oil and coal to align with the energy of transformation of this event.
Pisces (Meena): Offer honey and sesame seeds at a temple; by donating books, religious materials, and stationery to students, you will create greatness through giving and find mental peace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I perform Makar Sankranti puja at home if I can’t go to the river?
Yes, you definitely can! The most important thing is that your heart is pure, regardless of where you are. You can perform the “Snana” (bathe) at home by adding water from the Ganga into your water when you bathe, then offer “Arghya” (offering) to the Sun from your balcony or terrace.
What should I eat while fasting for Makar Sankranti?
Most people observe partial fasting, or “Vrat,” during which they eat “Satwik” (pure) food, primarily Khichdi (rice and moong dal mixed) and food made with Til (sesame) and Gur (jaggery). Avoid eating any onions, garlic or meat products.
What’s the difference between Makar Sankranti and Lohri?
The main difference between Makar Sankranti and Lohri is that, while both festivals celebrate the harvest and the Sun travelling northwards, they do so in different ways. Lohri is mainly celebrated in Punjab on the eve of Sankranti, which marks the end of winter and is marked by a bonfire. On the other hand, Sankranti celebrates the Sun’s transition and involves a ritual bath.
Why do people fly kites during this festival?
In addition to being fun, kites were flown at this time to encourage people to spend time outdoors in the Sun during the morning hours. During the winter months, many people do not spend time outdoors, and when spring arrives, it is a great time for an individual to enjoy the Sun again, which can benefit the skin by helping clear skin infections (and have fun!). Moreover, the Sun provides Vitamin D, which our bodies need.
