{"id":20781,"date":"2026-01-07T19:00:02","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T13:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=20781"},"modified":"2026-01-09T11:43:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T06:13:11","slug":"why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore Makar Sankranti 2026 Date, Meaning, and Traditions Across India"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Source: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Makar Sankranti is one of India\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Markar Sankranti 2026 Dates and Time<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Makar Sankranti?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Makar Sankranti is a traditional Indian festival that marks the Sun\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated in India?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Makar Sankranti is celebrated for a combination of astronomical, agricultural, and cultural reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Astronomical significance:<\/b><\/h4>\n

It marks the Sun\u2019s transition into the northern hemisphere, which is considered an auspicious phase in Hindu tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agricultural significance:<\/b><\/h4>\n

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\u2019s abundance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cultural and spiritual meaning:<\/b><\/h4>\n

The festival represents new beginnings, positivity, and letting go of negativity, which is why sharing food are important parts of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200bWhat to do on Makar Sankranti ?<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you are thinking about how to celebrate Makar Sankranti in 2026 then here are some common traditional customs and rituals followed across India.<\/span><\/p>\n