Makara Sankranti 2026 – As per Astrology

Makara Sankranti is the name given to the Sun’s arrival into Capricorn. This celebration is called “Makar Sankranti” in North India and “Uttarayan” in Gujarat. Lohri in Punjab, Uttarayan in Uttarakhand, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Kerala, and Khichdi Sankranti in Garhwal are all celebrations of Makara Sankranti. On the auspicious time of Makara Sankranti, bathing at pilgrimage places like Haridwar, Kashi, etc., is considered to be of special importance. On this day, people also worship the Sun God.

According to classical principles, white and red flowers have special importance while worshipping the Sun. In addition to paying respect to the Sun on this day, arghya should be offered to it. The importance of giving donations on the day of Makara Sankranti increases as compared to other days. On this day, a person should donate grains, sesame, and jaggery to a poor person as much as possible. It is auspicious to donate sesame or laddu made of sesame or other food items made of sesame.

According to religious scriptures, any religious work gives fruits only when it is done with full faith and belief. This day marks the beginning of the gods’ day-counting as well. The time the Sun is in Dakshinayan is known as the “night of the gods,” whereas the six months of Uttarayan are referred to as days. On Makar Sankranti, Bhishma Pitamah decided to sacrifice his body.

Makara Sankranti Date

Mesha Sankranti on Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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

Duration: 02 Hours 32 Mins

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

Duration: 01 Hour 45 Mins

Significance of Makara Sankranti

Worshipping the Sun God on this day increases health and prosperity. On this day, special worship of the Sun God is done. The days begin to lengthen as the Sun God moves into Capricorn. This festival also symbolizes the arrival of new crops. From this day, the Sun becomes Uttarayan, that is, the Sun starts moving from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan. On Makara Sankranti, taking a bath in the Ganga, Yamuna, and other sacred rivers is seen as auspicious. Worship and giving have special significance on this day as well.

Taking a bath in the Ganges and making a donation on its banks are regarded as extremely auspicious during Makar Sankranti. Bathing in the pilgrimages of Prayag and Gangasagar on this festival is called Mahasnan. Although the Sun influences every sign of the zodiac, from a religious perspective, its entry into Cancer and Capricorn is particularly beneficial. This entry or change takes place every six months. India is located in the Northern Hemisphere. Usually, all the dates of the Indian calendar system are determined based on the movement of the Moon, but Makar Sankranti is determined by the movement of the Sun.

Makara Sankranti Rituals

Get up early on the day of Makara Sankranti, worship the Sun God, and, if you would like, bathe in the Ganges River. If you are taking a bath at home, mix Ganga water with your bath water. If you bathe in a river on the day of Makara Sankranti and offer water to Lord Sun there, then it will be even more beneficial for you. After taking a bath, fill a copper pitcher with red flowers and Akshat to present water to the Sun God.

If you chant the mantras of the Sun God after offering water, then it will be auspicious for you. If possible, do worship the Sun God on this day. For Surya Puja, Makara Sankranti is regarded as the most auspicious day. The most important thing in worshiping the Sun God is to offer him Arghya. Always offer Arghya to the Sun in the east if you want to see it. While offering Arghya to the Sun, chant the mantras Om Suryay Namah, Om Adityay Namah, Om Namo Bhaskaray Namah. Arghya Samarpayami.

Wrapping Up

When the Sun moves from Sagittarius into Capricorn, Makara Sankranti’s planetary position is created. This is called the transit of the Sun in Makara Sankranti. This time is considered to be the main moment of Makara Sankranti. During this time, the direction of the Sun changes from south to north, which is called Uttarayan. Surya Puja, Ganga bath, and charity have special significance on Makara Sankranti. Every year in January, when the Sun enters Capricorn, this festival takes place. On this day, offering Arghya to the Sun and donating sesame and jaggery is considered auspicious. If you want to know more about Makara Sankranti, then talk to astrologers.