Makar Sankranti 2026: Makar Sankranti is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated across India with different names and traditions. In North India, this auspicious festival is popularly known as Khichdi Parv, while in other regions it is celebrated as Pongal, Uttarayan, or Magh Bihu.
As Makar Sankranti is based on solar transit, its date sometimes creates confusion. In 2026, many devotees are unsure whether the festival will be observed on January 14 or January 15. Let us clear all doubts with accurate Panchang calculations, along with rituals, significance, and puja mantras.
Makar Sankranti 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat
Is Makar Sankranti on 14 or 15 January 2026?
According to Hindu Panchang calculations, Surya Dev (the Sun God) will transit from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) to Makar Rashi (Capricorn) on:
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Date: 14 January 2026
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Time: 09:03 AM (IST)
Since the Sun enters Capricorn on January 14, Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
This solar transition marks the beginning of Uttarayan, an extremely auspicious phase in Hindu tradition.
Why Makar Sankranti Is Called Khichdi Parv
In North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, Makar Sankranti is widely known as Khichdi. On this day:
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Khichdi made from rice and lentils is prepared
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It is offered to the Sun God
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Khichdi and other items are donated to the needy
The ritual symbolizes gratitude, nourishment, and charity.
Rules of Eating and Donating Khichdi on Makar Sankranti
The Rule of Eating and Donating Khichdi
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Holy Bath (Snan)
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Devotees should take a holy bath during the Maha Punya Kaal, preferably at sunrise.
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Offering Arghya to the Sun
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After bathing, offer Arghya (water) to Surya Dev while facing the east.
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Khichdi Consumption
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Khichdi should be eaten only after Sun worship.
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Auspicious Donation Items
Donating the following items on Makar Sankranti is considered highly beneficial:
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Black urad dal
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Rice
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Sesame seeds (til)
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Jaggery (gud)
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Blankets
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New clothes
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Charity performed on this day is believed to bring prosperity, good health, and divine blessings.
Makar Sankranti 2026 Significance
Why Makar Sankranti Is Spiritually Important
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The Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayan)
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Khar Maas ends, removing restrictions on auspicious activities
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The day marks the beginning of Devta Kaal (day of gods)
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All auspicious ceremonies such as:
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Marriage
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Mundan
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Griha Pravesh
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Naming ceremonies
can resume from this day
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Additionally, January 15, 2026 falls on a Thursday, ruled by Guru (Jupiter), making the period even more auspicious for wealth, happiness, and spiritual growth.
Surya Puja Mantras for Makar Sankranti
Chanting these mantras during sunrise enhances the spiritual benefits of Makar Sankranti:
1. Simple Surya Mantra
ॐ आदित्याय नमः॥
2. Powerful Sun Mantra
ॐ ह्रीं ह्रीं सूर्याय सहस्रकिरणराय मनोवांछित फलम् देहि देहि स्वाहा॥
3. Vedic Surya Arghya Mantra
ॐ ऐहि सूर्य सहस्त्रांशों तेजो राशे जगत्पते।
अनुकम्पय मां भक्त्या गृहणार्ध्य दिवाकर:॥
Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on January 14, marking the sacred transition of the Sun into Capricorn. Known as Khichdi Parv, this festival emphasizes purity, charity, gratitude, and new beginnings. Observing rituals with devotion and donating essential items on this day brings long-lasting spiritual and material benefits.
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