Makar Sankranti 2026 Date

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's entry into Makara (Capricorn) — one of the few Hindu festivals that follows the solar calendar, so it falls on 14 or 15 January almost every year. The day before is Lohri, celebrated with bonfires in Punjab and North India; in Tamil Nadu the festival is Pongal.

This page computes the exact Sankranti date for your city from the panchang. Kite-flying, sesame-jaggery sweets (tilgul), khichdi and holy river baths are the day's traditions.

Select City

Makar Sankranti 2026 Date — Delhi

Day	Date
Makar Sankranti (Pongal)	Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Dates are computed from the lunar panchang for the selected city. Local and regional traditions may differ by a day — confirm with your community calendar.

Formula

Makar Sankranti = day the Sun enters Makara rashi (sidereal Capricorn)

Example

Lohri ≈ 13 January 2026. Makar Sankranti ≈ 14 January 2026.

How to Use

1. Select your city.
2. Click "Show Dates".
3. Read the Lohri and Sankranti dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Makar Sankranti 2026?

Expected on 14 January 2026 — the table shows the computed date for your city.

Why does Sankranti stay mid-January?

It follows the solar calendar — the Sun's entry into Capricorn — unlike lunar festivals.

Is Pongal the same day?

Yes — Pongal in Tamil Nadu is the same solar event, usually 14 January.

What is Lohri?

The harvest bonfire festival celebrated the evening before Makar Sankranti.

Author: Astro Editorial Team Reviewed by: Astro Editorial Team Last updated: 2026-09-16

This page was reviewed for accuracy by the Astro editorial team. Our editorial process follows our editorial policy to ensure reliable, up-to-date conversion tools and reference content.