Makar Sankranti is one of India’s most important harvest festivals, marking a seasonal and spiritual transition that is celebrated across the country. Unlike many festivals based on the lunar calendar, it follows the solar cycle, which makes its date more predictable. Because of this, the Makar Sankranti 2026 date is widely searched for to plan rituals, travel, and family gatherings. Explore the date, meaning, significance, cultures, and traditions of Makar Sankranti 2026.

Markar Sankranti 2026 Dates and Time

Makar Sankranti in 2026 falls on January 15. The exact timing may vary slightly every year because it depends on the moment the Sun enters Makara (Capricorn). This is calculated using the solar calendar, not the lunar calendar. Sankranti marks the day when the Sun begins its northward journey, known as Uttarayana.

What Is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a traditional Indian festival that marks the Sun’s movement into the zodiac sign Makara, Capricorn. It symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days. People across India celebrate the festival under different regional names such as Pongal, Uttarayan, Magh Bihu, Til Sankranti, Khichdi Parv, and others.

Why Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated in India?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated for a combination of astronomical, agricultural, and cultural reasons.

Astronomical significance:

It marks the Sun’s transition into the northern hemisphere, which is considered an auspicious phase in Hindu tradition.

Agricultural significance:

This period coincides with the harvest season, especially for crops like sugarcane, rice, and sesame. It signifies the completion of harvesting and offers thanks for nature’s abundance.

Cultural and spiritual meaning:

The festival represents new beginnings, positivity, and letting go of negativity, which is why sharing food are important parts of the day.

​What to do on Makar Sankranti ?

If you are thinking about how to celebrate Makar Sankranti in 2026 then here are some common traditional customs and rituals followed across India.

• Clean and decorate your home early in the morning
• Wear traditional clothes and prepare festive dishes
• Spend time with family, fly kites, or visit a temple
• Donate essentials or food as a symbol of gratitude

Makar Sankranti Rangoli Designs and Decorations

Rangoli plays an important role during Sankranti as it welcomes positivity and prosperity into homes. Popular sankranti rangoli designs include symbols like the Sun, kites, sugarcane, pots, and harvest patterns. Women in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh create rangoli in front of the houses and decorate them with colors and some prefer using natural colors such as rice flour, turmeric, and flower petals to create eco-friendly designs.

How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India?

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India in many unique ways, but here are some of the top places where the festival’s spirit, traditions, and celebrations can be experienced at their best.

Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Makar Sankranti is celebrated by combining harvest traditions, devotion, and strong community spirit. The festival begins with Bhogi, when homes are cleaned and bonfires are lit to mark new beginnings, followed by Sankranti, dedicated to worshipping the Sun God and preparing traditional dishes like ariselu, pongal, and sakinalu. Families visit temples, exchange festive foods, and decorate their homes with colourful muggu (rangoli) designs. Kanuma honours farmers and cattle, especially in rural areas where animals are decorated and village celebrations take place. Kite flying, cultural programs, and community gatherings add joy and colour to the festivities.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, the festival is known as Uttarayan, a celebration closely associated with kite flying. Beyond festivity, kite flying carries symbolic meaning. The kite reflects the soul’s desire to rise. The thread represents self-restraint and balance. The open sky signifies spiritual awareness. The day begins with worship of the Sun God, followed by joyful gatherings where families and neighbours celebrate together from terraces and open grounds. 

Tamil Nadu

Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival filled with tradition and gratitude. Homes are cleaned and decorated with beautiful kolams, and families prepare sweet pongal using freshly harvested rice to thank the Sun God for prosperity. Villages come alive with folk music, cultural programs, and joyful gatherings, while people wear new clothes to mark fresh beginnings. A special highlight is Mattu Pongal, when cattle are decorated and honoured for their role in farming.

Puri

Puri is a well-known pilgrimage destination and becomes even more special during Makar Sankranti. Devotees visit the Jagannath Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings. The festival is closely linked with Magha Saptami, when people take sacred baths and participate in temple rituals. The nearby sea adds a calm and refreshing feel to the celebrations. Visitors also enjoy local sweets and traditional food during this time.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, people exchange sweets made from sesame and jaggery, symbolizing warmth and harmony in relationships. Women host haldi-kumkum gatherings, and the festival highlights values such as reconciliation, unity, and positive social bonds.

Punjab and Haryana

In Punjab and Haryana, the day is celebrated as Maghi. Devotees visit gurdwaras and holy water bodies to offer prayers. The occasion marks seasonal change, signaling the gradual close of winter and the beginning of a fresh farming cycle.

Pilgrimage Travel During Makar Sankranti 2026

Due to its religious significance, Makar Sankranti is a time when many people plan to visit temples across India. Some of the major spiritual destinations which are must-visit include:

• Prayagraj for sacred confluence bathing
• Haridwar for river rituals and evening aartis
• Ujjain for Shipra river baths and temple worship
• Dwarka and Somnath for coastal shrine visits
• Modhera Sun Temple for Sun-centered ceremonies

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Makar Sankranti 2026 honors the harvest season and marks positive beginnings. Families celebrate sankranti through prayers, preparing sweets and snacks, sharing food, kite flying, and traditional decorations like rangoli. The festival reflects India’s deep connection between nature, culture, and community.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the reason behind celebrating Makar Sankranti as a harvest festival?

Makar Sankranti is called a harvest festival because it comes after crops are harvested. Farmers thank the Sun and nature for good crops and food. It celebrates hard work and abundance.

Are there kite festival events in Hyderabad during Sankranti?

Yes. During Sankranti, many areas in Hyderabad celebrate with kite flying. The International Kite and Sweet Festival will be held at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad from January 13 to January 15, 2026. 

How did holy river bathing become a tradition on Makar Sankranti?

Taking a bath in holy rivers is believed to clean the body and mind. People believe it washes away past sins and brings peace and positivity. This day is considered very auspicious for spiritual cleansing.

Where are rangoli competitions held in Hyderabad during Sankranti?

Yes. Apartments, temples, schools, colleges, and community halls usually host rangoli competitions. A special rangoli event will be held at the Salar Jung Museum on 12th Jan 2026, starting at approximately. 10:00 AM. The event brings together art, culture, and the festive spirit of the harvest season, making it enjoyable for families and visitors.

Is Makar Sankranti a National holiday?

No, Makar Sankranti is not a National holiday in India. Several states observe it as a public holiday, and schools, banks, and offices may remain closed depending on local traditions and observance.

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