What is the shubh muhurat for Makar Sankranti 2026?
The shubh muhurat for Makar Sankranti 2026 is 08:54 AM to 05:56 PM on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The tithi runs from 3:13 PM on Jan 14 to 5:45 PM on Jan 14.
Your Moon sign
What does Makar Sankranti 2026 mean for your rashi?
The date and muhurat above are the same for everyone. How the day sits against your own chart is not. Pick your Moon sign (rashi) to see how this observance relates to it.
Not sure of your rashi? It is your Moon sign at birth — often different from the Sun sign used in Western horoscopes.
What is Makar Sankranti 2026?
Marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).
Significance of Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti 2026 marks the sun’s transition into Makara (Capricorn). It signals longer days and the end of winter darkness. Spiritually it honors Surya, the Sun God, and the cycle of time. Culturally it blends harvest joy, charity, and family reunion. People bathe, offer prayers, fly kites, and share tilgul, a sesame sweet. 🪔🌅
Makar Sankranti 2026 Date, Muhurat and Timing
| Tithi | Makara Sankranti |
| Nakshatra | Punarvasu (approx) |
| Sunrise | 06:15 IST |
| Sunset | 18:45 IST |
| Auspicious Timing | 08:00–10:30 IST |
| Date | 14 January 2026 |
Traditions & Rituals of Makar Sankranti 2026
- Take holy dips in rivers or sacred waters at dawn. 🛁
- Prepare and share tilgul (sesame laddoos) with family and neighbors. 🍬
- Fly colorful kites in clear skies at local fairs. 🪁
- Decorate homes with rangoli and light lamps to welcome the Sun. 🪔
Remedies to Perform on Makar Sankranti 2026
- Action: Offer sesame seeds and jaggery to deities and elders.
Benefit: Fosters gratitude and strengthens family harmony. - Action: Donate or serve food to those in need.
Benefit: Purifies the mind and nurtures generosity. - Action: Light a lamp and recite a short prayer for health.
Benefit: Invites positive energy and well-being.
Mantras & Chants on Makar Sankranti 2026
Mantra 1: Om Suryaya Namaha
Significance: Invokes Surya for energy, vitality, and clear vision.
Mantra 2: Om Adityaya Namaha
Significance: Invokes Aditya for health, warmth, and spiritual clarity.
Fasting Rules & Food Guidelines on Makar Sankranti 2026
- Keep vrat simple with fruits, milk, nuts, and sesame sweets; break after puja.
- Eat tilgul and seasonal fruits; avoid heavy or non-vegetarian foods during fasting.
- Hydrate with warm water or herbal tea; avoid caffeinated drinks.
Dos and Don’ts on Makar Sankranti 2026
- Do: Take a holy dip in rivers or sacred waters at dawn. 🛁
- Do: Offer prayers to Surya and share tilgul with family and neighbors. 🙏
- Do: Prepare and distribute sesame laddus as prasad. 🧁
- Dont: Waste food or prasadam. 🚫🍽️
- Dont: Pollute rivers or water bodies with waste. 🚫💧
- Dont: Fly unsafe kites or use dangerous strings. 🚫🪁
"Om Hreem Lord Suryaayai Namah"
Invokes the protective grace of Lord Surya and clarity of mind.
Which festivals fall in 2026?
Browse every festival in 2026 on a single calendar — click any date to jump to its detailed muhurat & puja guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the mythological origin of Makar Sankranti and its connection to Surya?
Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into Makara (Capricorn) and the northward journey of Surya, described in Hindu astronomy as the Sun’s auspicious return after the winter solstice. It is associated with Surya, the Sun God, who is worshipped with lamps and offerings to welcome longer days and the renewal of light. The festival blends mythic significance with harvest traditions, celebrated across regions with various customs and feasts.
How is the Makar Sankranti 2026 puja performed?
Devotees bathe, invoke Surya with a small sun symbol, offer til (sesame), jaggery, flowers and water, and chant Surya mantras; many observe fasting or a light meal during the puja.
How does Makar Sankranti 2026 differ in regional observances or Panchang timings (tithi, nakshatra, muhurat)?
In 2026, Makara Sankranti is observed around Jan 14, but regional calendars vary with tithi, nakshatra and muhurat, so some communities may celebrate on Jan 15.




