{"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":"<figure id=\"attachment_20783\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20783\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20783 size-full\" title=\"Happy Makar Sankranti\" src=\"https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi.png\" alt=\"Happy Makar Sankranti\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi.png 800w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-630x420.png 630w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-640x426.png 640w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-681x454.png 681w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-24x16.png 24w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-36x24.png 36w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-48x32.png 48w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Happy-Makar-Sankranthi-272x182.png 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20783\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Markar_Sankranti_2026_Dates_and_Time\" title=\"Markar Sankranti 2026 Dates and Time\">Markar Sankranti 2026 Dates and Time<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#What_Is_Makar_Sankranti\" title=\"What Is Makar Sankranti?\">What Is Makar Sankranti?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Why_Makar_Sankranti_Is_Celebrated_in_India\" title=\"Why Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated in India?\">Why Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated in India?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Astronomical_significance\" title=\"Astronomical significance:\">Astronomical significance:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Agricultural_significance\" title=\"Agricultural significance:\">Agricultural significance:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Cultural_and_spiritual_meaning\" title=\"Cultural and spiritual meaning:\">Cultural and spiritual meaning:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#%E2%80%8BWhat_to_do_on_Makar_Sankranti\" title=\"\u200bWhat to do on Makar Sankranti ?\">\u200bWhat to do on Makar Sankranti ?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Makar_Sankranti_Rangoli_Designs_and_Decorations\" title=\"Makar Sankranti Rangoli Designs and Decorations\">Makar Sankranti Rangoli Designs and Decorations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#How_Makar_Sankranti_Is_Celebrated_Across_India\" title=\"How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India?\">How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Andhra_Pradesh_Telangana\" title=\"Andhra Pradesh &amp; Telangana\">Andhra Pradesh &amp; Telangana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Gujarat\" title=\"Gujarat\">Gujarat<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Tamil_Nadu\" title=\"Tamil Nadu\">Tamil Nadu<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Puri\" title=\"Puri\">Puri<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Maharashtra\" title=\"Maharashtra\">Maharashtra<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Punjab_and_Haryana\" title=\"Punjab and Haryana\">Punjab and Haryana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Pilgrimage_Travel_During_Makar_Sankranti_2026\" title=\"Pilgrimage Travel During Makar Sankranti 2026\">Pilgrimage Travel During Makar Sankranti 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/why-makar-sankranti-is-celebrated\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0\">Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Markar_Sankranti_2026_Dates_and_Time\"><\/span><b>Markar Sankranti 2026 Dates and Time<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Makar_Sankranti\"><\/span><b>What Is Makar Sankranti?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Makar_Sankranti_Is_Celebrated_in_India\"><\/span><b>Why Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated in India?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Makar Sankranti is celebrated for a combination of astronomical, agricultural, and cultural reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Astronomical_significance\"><\/span><b>Astronomical significance:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It marks the Sun\u2019s transition into the northern hemisphere, which is considered an auspicious phase in Hindu tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Agricultural_significance\"><\/span><b>Agricultural significance:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cultural_and_spiritual_meaning\"><\/span><b>Cultural and spiritual meaning:<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%8BWhat_to_do_on_Makar_Sankranti\"><\/span><b>\u200bWhat to do on Makar Sankranti ?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean and decorate your home early in the morning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear traditional clothes and prepare festive dishes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spend time with family, fly kites, or visit a temple<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donate essentials or food as a symbol of gratitude<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Makar_Sankranti_Rangoli_Designs_and_Decorations\"><\/span><b>Makar Sankranti Rangoli Designs and Decorations<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Makar_Sankranti_Is_Celebrated_Across_India\"><\/span><b>How Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated Across India?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India in many unique ways, but here are some of the top places where the festival\u2019s spirit, traditions, and celebrations can be experienced at their best.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Andhra_Pradesh_Telangana\"><\/span><b>Andhra Pradesh &amp; Telangana<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gujarat\"><\/span><b>Gujarat<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tamil_Nadu\"><\/span><b>Tamil Nadu<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Puri\"><\/span><b>Puri<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maharashtra\"><\/span><b>Maharashtra<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Punjab_and_Haryana\"><\/span><b>Punjab and Haryana<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pilgrimage_Travel_During_Makar_Sankranti_2026\"><\/span><b>Pilgrimage Travel During Makar Sankranti 2026<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prayagraj for sacred confluence bathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Haridwar for river rituals and evening aartis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ujjain for Shipra river baths and temple worship<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dwarka and Somnath for coastal shrine visits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modhera Sun Temple for Sun-centered ceremonies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are planning a trip from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/cheap-flights-to-india-from-usa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USA to India<\/a>, then check out Indian Eagle deals. With easy price comparisons, lower airfares, 24\/7 customer support, and multiple route options, you can make international travel planning simple and budget-friendly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s deep connection between nature, culture, and community.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>What is the reason behind celebrating Makar Sankranti as a harvest festival?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Are there kite festival events in Hyderabad during Sankranti?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How did holy river bathing become a tradition on Makar Sankranti?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Where are rangoli competitions held in Hyderabad during Sankranti?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Is Makar Sankranti a National holiday?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b><i>Disclaimer:\u00a0<\/i><\/b><i>Indian Eagle claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the image whenever possible and found. However, if we miss acknowledging the owner\u2019s source, please contact us. In case, owners don\u2019t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer.<\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20783,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,553],"tags":[6233,6235,6234],"class_list":["post-20781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-india","category-travel","tag-makar-sankranti-2026","tag-sankranti-rangoli-designs","tag-what-is-makar-sankranti"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Makar Sankranti 2026 Date, Significance and Rituals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Makar Sankranti 2026 date, meaning, rituals, and cultural importance across India. explore more about the festival celebrations.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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