Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Tithi: Pausha Month, Shukla Paksha Saptami
Festival Names: Makar Sankranti, Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Uttarayan (Gujarat), Lohri (Punjab, celebrated a day before)
☀️ Meaning and Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun (Surya Dev) into Makara Rashi (Capricorn) — symbolizing the beginning of Uttarayan, the northward journey of the Sun.
It signifies the end of the long winter solstice and the arrival of longer, brighter, and more prosperous days.
The festival is one of the few Hindu festivals celebrated based on the solar cycle (not lunar), and its date remains fixed on 14 January almost every year.
Spiritually, it represents enlightenment, new beginnings, and gratitude toward nature for a successful harvest season.
🪔 Rituals and Observances
🛕 1. Holy Dip (Snan) and Surya Arghya
Devotees take a holy dip in rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Kaveri during sunrise and offer Arghya (water) to the Sun God with a prayer:
“Om Suryaya Namah”
🍚 2. Tilgul & Kichadi Offering
People prepare til (sesame) and jaggery sweets, Kichadi (rice and lentils), and offer them to Surya Dev.
These foods symbolize warmth, unity, and purity.
In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, “Daan” (charity) of sesame, clothes, and food is performed for the poor.
🪁 3. Kite Flying (Uttarayan in Gujarat)
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is known as Uttarayan, and the skies are filled with colorful kites symbolizing freedom, joy, and new beginnings.
🐂 4. Pongal in Tamil Nadu
In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, the same festival is celebrated as Pongal — a four-day harvest festival thanking Surya (Sun God), Indra (Rain God), and farm animals.
Families boil freshly harvested rice in milk and jaggery till it overflows — shouting “Pongalo Pongal!” as a mark of prosperity.
🔥 5. Bonfire and Community Celebration
In Punjab, Lohri (celebrated a day earlier) involves lighting bonfires, singing folk songs, and dancing to the beats of dhol — expressing joy for the harvest season.
🌻 Spiritual Message
Makar Sankranti inspires us to:
- Rise above ignorance (Tamas) and move toward light and wisdom (Sattva).
- Cultivate gratitude and discipline, like the Sun’s unwavering movement.
- Begin new ventures and spiritual practices, as Uttarayan is considered highly auspicious for good deeds and donations.
❓ FAQs on Makar Sankranti 2026
Q1. When is Makar Sankranti in 2026?
A1. Makar Sankranti falls on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
Q2. Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated?
A2. It marks the Sun’s entry into Capricorn, symbolizing the beginning of longer days, harvest joy, and spiritual awakening.
Q3. What are the traditional foods prepared on Makar Sankranti?
A3. Tilgul (sesame-jaggery sweets), Kichadi, Pongal rice, and sugarcane dishes are commonly prepared.
Q4. Which states celebrate Makar Sankranti differently?
A4.
- Tamil Nadu: Pongal
- Gujarat: Uttarayan (kite flying)
- Punjab: Lohri
- Assam: Magh Bihu
- Odisha & Bihar: Makar Mela and Kichadi Bhoj
Q5. What is the spiritual importance of Uttarayan?
A5. It marks the Sun’s northward journey, symbolizing knowledge, energy, and divine illumination.
Panchang Official