Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Auspicious Time, Puja, Charity & Spiritual Importance

Makar Sankranti is not just a festival. It is a festival of lights, dynamism and renewal. It occurs when the Sun passes under Capricorn beginning Uttarayan, the northward movement of the Sun. It is a very promising time of Sanatan Dharma. It helps to remember that it is essential to live in accordance with nature, develop spiritually and bring joy by means of simple acts of kindness.

In India the festival is known by various names Makar Sankranti in North India, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Maharashtra and Magh Bihu in Assam. The titles may not be the same, yet the core of the festival remains worshipping the Sun, performing holy baths, offering altruism, and spiritual acquirement.

In this blog, we will let you everything you need to know about Makar Sankranti 2026—from the date and auspicious timings to rituals, charity, and rare yogas like Til Dwadashi and Vriddhi Yoga—so you can celebrate it the right way, with devotion and joy.

Makar Sankranti 2026: Sun Transition, Date & Auspicious Time

According to Surya Siddhanta, the Sun will move from Sagittarius to Capricorn on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9:39 PM.

Since this happens at night, the festival is observed the next day, as per the scriptures.

●        Festival Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

●        Best Time to take Holy Bath and Charity: Between the sunrise and 1.39 PM on January 15.

●        Punyakaal (Period of Merit): About 16 hours following Sankranti. This is because the most favourable time to bathe, offer charity, and carry out rituals is the first 7-8 hours during which the sun is rising.

Til Dwadashi & Vriddhi Yoga: Rare and Auspicious

This year, Makar Sankranti comes with two rare and powerful yogas:

●        Til Dwadashi: It is believed that sesame (til) originated from Lord Vishnu’s body. When Til Dwadashi coincides with Sankranti, it brings Akshay Punya—merit that never ends.

●        Vriddhi Yoga: Any good deed, charity, or chanting during this yoga is multiplied many times over. It’s a great time to pray for growth, prosperity, and stability.

Why is Makar Sankranti Special ?

Makar Sankranti is the beginning of Uttarayan where the Sun has to move northward. This is what is referred to in scripture as the day of the gods and is the optimal time of spiritual development. However, whatever you perform, prayers, charity, or penance, will heed immediate and short-lasting outcomes.

Even in Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited that Uttarayan had taken leave of his earthly body and this demonstrates the spiritual strength of this time.

It is a harvest festival as well, and the time to be grateful to nature and Sun concerning life, energy and abundance.

How to Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2026: Simple Puja

1.   Wake up early and take a holy bath in a river or sacred water body.
  (If that’s not possible, use clean water mixed with Ganga Jal at home.)

2.   While bathing, chant:

 “Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati …”

3.   Wear clean clothes and face east.

4.   Take a copper lota, fill it with water, add sesame seeds, jaggery, and flowers, and offer it to the Sun.

5.   Recite “Om Suryaya Namah” while offering Arghya.

6.   Read the Aditya Hridaya Stotra or Surya Chalisa.

7.       Pray for health, happiness, and prosperity for your family.

Khichdi on Thursday: Myth vs. Reality

Others say it is not allowed. However, the weekday is not so significant as the date, every Makar Sankranti.

●        Capricorn is the zodiac of Shani Dev

●        Khichdi is the representation of the nine planets (Navagrahas).

●        Eating or donating khichdi on Sankranti reduces Shani-related afflictions

So yes, it is all alright and auspicious to donate and eat khichdi on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Charity on Makar Sankranti

Charity after the holy bath brings Akshay Punya (eternal merit).

●        Sesame Seeds & Jaggery: For good health and Sun’s blessings

●        Blankets & Ghee: For protection and prosperity

●        Food Donations: To remove poverty, planetary afflictions, and scarcity

As the scriptures say:

"Sankrantau Dattam Daanam Akshayam Bhavati"

Meaning: Charity given on Sankranti never goes to waste.

Meaningful Spiritual Practices for Makar Sankranti

Simple Ways to Balance the Sun, Health, and Ancestral Energy

Makar Sankranti is more than a date on the calendar. It marks a shift in the Sun’s journey and a subtle change in our own inner energy. This day is believed to carry a quiet but powerful spiritual charge. Even small, sincere actions done on Makar Sankranti can help release long-standing blocks and bring a sense of clarity and balance—especially in matters related to the Sun, health, and ancestral harmony.

Gentle Ways to Strengthen the Sun’s Energy

(For confidence, clarity, and inner strength)

If you’ve been feeling low on confidence, facing repeated obstacles, or struggling with authority or father-related matters, Makar Sankranti offers a beautiful chance to reset:

●        Begin the day with a calm bath and offer water to the rising Sun using a copper vessel

●        Add a red flower and a few sesame seeds, and quietly chant “Om Suryaya Namah”—even a few mindful repetitions are enough

●        If possible, donate wheat, jaggery, or a small copper item as an offering of gratitude

These simple acts help invite strength, self-belief, clarity, and warmth back into your life.

Nurturing Health and Long Life on Sankranti

(For physical balance and emotional well-being)

Makar Sankranti falls during the heart of winter, making it a perfect time to care for the body and calm the mind:

●        Spend a few peaceful moments in natural sunlight after your bath—no rush, just presence

●        Include sesame and jaggery in your food, as they gently warm the body and support immunity.

●        Share food, clothes, or blankets with someone in need—it nourishes both the giver and the receiver

Tradition believes that kindness and charity on this day help protect health and support a long, steady life.

Conclusion

Makar Sankranti 2026 is not just a festival—it’s a divine combination of Sun transition, rare yogas, and eternal merit. Observing holy baths, worship, and charity at the right time brings spiritual growth, health, and prosperity.

In this blog, we’ve explained everything about Makar Sankranti 2026—from dates, timings, rituals, charity, and the rare Til Dwadashi & Vriddhi Yoga, so you can celebrate it with understanding, devotion, and joy.

Vedaangam is here to bring scriptural knowledge in simple, practical ways, helping you honor Sanatan traditions correctly and with meaning.

Read more: माँ विंध्यवासिनी मंदिर | Durga Suktam – दुर्गा सूक्तम्  With Lyrics and Meaning

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: When will Makar Sankranti 2026 be celebrated?

 A: Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on 15 January 2026 (Thursday) as per traditional scriptures.

Q2: What is the auspicious time for holy bath and charity?

 A: Sunrise to 1:39 PM on January 15.

Q3: Can we donate or eat khichdi on Thursday?

 A: Yes, the tithi is more important than the weekday, so it’s fully auspicious.

Q4: What is special about Til Dwadashi & Vriddhi Yoga?

 A: Charity and rituals during this rare combination bring eternal merit and multiply benefits.

Q5: Whose blessings are received on Makar Sankranti?

 A: Both Surya Dev and Shani Dev bless devotees, helping reduce planetary afflictions and increase vitality.