Vedic calendar
Makar Sankranti 2026
The Sun enters Makara (sidereal Capricorn): a harvest festival of light, gratitude and sweetness.
Wednesday, 14 January 2026 in New Delhi
Exact moment: 15:07, Wednesday, 14 January 2026 (India time)
| New Delhi | Wed, 14 Jan 2026 | 15:07 |
|---|---|---|
| London | Wed, 14 Jan 2026 | 09:37 |
| New York | Wed, 14 Jan 2026 | 04:37 |
| Sydney | Thu, 15 Jan 2026 | 20:37 |
What it is
Makar Sankranti marks the day the Sun moves into Makara, the sidereal sign of Capricorn. It is one of the few Hindu festivals set by the Sun rather than the Moon, which is why it falls on almost the same Gregorian date each year.
Traditional significance
Traditionally it begins Uttarayana, the Sun’s auspicious northward journey, and is a time for holy dips, charity and thanksgiving for the harvest. Sesame and jaggery sweets are shared as a wish that words and relationships stay sweet.
History and culture
It is celebrated across India under many names: Makar Sankranti with til-gul in Maharashtra (“tilgul ghya, god god bola”), Uttarayan with kites in Gujarat, Lohri the evening before in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Magh Bihu in Assam.
A suggested practice
A sweet word · about 5 minutes
- Sit facing the morning light, or a lamp.
- Breathe slowly and name one blessing from the past season.
- Think of one relationship that needs a little sweetness.
- Send or speak one kind, sincere sentence to that person today.
Affirmation
I let warmth and sweetness guide my words.
Reflection question
What would I like to carry forward into the brighter half of the year?
Continue on Inner Balance by Praseeth
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Astrological and traditional meanings are offered for reflection and cultural understanding. They are symbolic, not scientific predictions, and never a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice.