Makar Sankranti 2026 is a highly sacred and spiritual festival in Hinduism. It is not merely a festival, but is considered a symbol of spiritual purification, devotion, and new beginnings. Unlike other Hindu festivals, Makar Sankranti is based on the sun’s transit, and therefore it is celebrated on almost the same date every year.
On this day, as devotees head towards the river for a holy dip in the chilly morning, the sound of temple bells resonates, and the atmosphere is filled with reverence – that’s when the true essence of Makar Sankranti unfolds.
At Templepedia, we present Makar Sankranti not just as a set of traditions, but as an experience of devotion, pilgrimage, and spiritual awakening.
Makar Sankranti : Date and Auspicious Time
- Festival Date: 14 January 2026
- Day: Wednesday
- Solar Event: Sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara Rashi)
- Auspicious Bath Time (Punya Kaal): After sunrise (exact timing varies by location)
Since Makar Sankranti follows the solar calendar, it is celebrated on nearly the same date every year. This consistency makes it one of the most reliable festivals for planning temple visits and pilgrimages in advance.
Spiritual Significance of Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of Uttarayana, which is considered the day of the gods. This festival symbolizes the transition from darkness to light, and from negativity to positivity.
According to religious beliefs:
- Bathing, giving alms, and performing prayers on this day yield manifold blessings.
- It brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into one’s life.
- This day is considered highly auspicious for spiritual progress.
The importance of taking a holy dip on Makar Sankranti 2026
Taking a dip in holy rivers on the morning of Makar Sankranti is considered one of the most important traditions. It is believed that the water on this day possesses special spiritual energy that purifies both the body and mind.
Main bathing and pilgrimage sites:
- Varanasi – Bathing in the Ganges followed by a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Prayagraj – Bathing at the Triveni Sangam
- Haridwar – Bathing in the Ganges in a peaceful environment
- Rameswaram – Bathing in the sea followed by a visit to the Ramanathaswamy Temple
Arriving early in the morning means fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience.
Also Check Out This:- Indian Festivals 2026 – Complete 2026 Calendar with Holidays
Major temples worth visiting on Makar Sankranti 2026
On the day of Makar Sankranti, special prayers, rituals, and aarti ceremonies are held in temples across the country.
| Temple | Location | Sankranti Special |
|---|---|---|
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | Uttar Pradesh | Ganga Snan & Rudrabhishek |
| Somnath Temple | Gujarat | Sunrise Aarti & Surya Arghya |
| Tirupati Balaji Temple | Andhra Pradesh | Special festival darshan |
| Jagannath Temple | Odisha | Early Mangala Aarti |
| Meenakshi Amman Temple | Tamil Nadu | Pongal & Sankranti rituals |
These temples attract thousands of devotees, making early planning essential for a smooth darshan experience.
Donations, food, and traditional customs
Makar Sankranti is also known as a festival of giving and sharing. Charity performed on this day is believed to bring spiritual merit and divine blessings.
Common traditions include:
- Donating food, clothes, and money to the needy
- Offering sesame seeds (til) and jaggery (gur), which symbolize warmth and harmony
- Participating in Annadanam at temples, where free meals are served to devotees
These simple acts of kindness form the true spiritual foundation of the festival.
Why is Makar Sankranti special for pilgrims?
Makar Sankranti 2026is considered special for pilgrims because:
- This is a very auspicious time.
- The significance of both bathing and darshan (seeing the deity) is combined.
- The atmosphere is filled with spiritual energy.
For this reason, many families undertake their annual pilgrimage around the time of Makar Sankranti.
Final thoughts
Makar Sankranti is not just a festival, but a celebration that conveys a message of faith, self-discipline, and positive beginnings. Whether you take a holy dip, visit a temple, or perform prayers with devotion at home – the essence of this festival lies in pure feelings and devotion.
Stay connected with TemplePedia.in for all upcoming religious festivals, temple visit guides, and pilgrimage information.
Frequently Asked Questions – Makar Sankranti 2026
Q. What is Makar Sankranti and why is it celebrated?
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the Sun’s transition into Makara Rashi (Capricorn). It signifies the beginning of Uttarayan, a highly auspicious period associated with positivity, growth, and spiritual awakening.
Q. When is Makar Sankranti in 2026?
Makar Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated on 14 January 2026 (Wednesday). Unlike most Hindu festivals, it follows the solar calendar, which is why it usually falls on the same date every year.
Q. Why is Makar Sankranti considered spiritually important?
This day symbolizes the movement from darkness to light and from negativity to positivity. Religious texts believe that prayers, charity, and holy baths performed on Makar Sankranti bring long-term spiritual benefits and inner peace.
Q. Is taking a holy bath on Makar Sankranti necessary?
While it is not mandatory, taking a holy bath in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari is considered extremely auspicious. It is believed to cleanse sins and purify the mind and soul.
Q. Is Makar Sankranti celebrated all over India?
Yes, Makar Sankranti 2026 is celebrated across India, though under different names such as Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, and Uttarayan, depending on the region.
Q. Why is Makar Sankranti important for pilgrims?
Makar Sankranti is ideal for pilgrims because it combines auspicious timing, sacred rituals, temple darshan, and spiritual energy, making it one of the best days for religious travel and worship.