Makar Sankranti 2026: Why is the Festival Celebrated on Both January 14th and 15th?

Makar Sankranti, the first major festival of the new year, has brought with it a peculiar confusion for devotees across India in 2026. While calendars predominantly mark January 14th, the festival is also being widely celebrated on January 15th in several parts of the country. This dual observance has led to questions among the public regarding the correct day for consuming 'khichdi' and performing acts of charity and piety. The reasons behind this date discrepancy are deeply rooted in astrological calculations, varying almanacs, local traditions, and religious beliefs, making it essential to understand the nuances to observe the festival correctly.

The Root of the Date Confusion

Makar Sankranti is traditionally celebrated when the Sun transitions from the Sagittarius zodiac sign (Dhanu Rashi) to the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makar Rashi), while this year, a significant divergence in opinion among astrologers regarding the precise timing of this solar transit is the primary cause of the confusion. According to the majority of almanacs, the Sun is slated to enter Capricorn on January 14th at 3:13 PM. However, some prominent almanacs, particularly those from Banaras, contend that this auspicious entry will occur later, at 9:19 PM on the same day. This difference in the calculated time of the Sun's entry into Makar Rashi is the fundamental reason why the festival is being observed on two separate days, creating uncertainty for many devotees.

Celebrations on January 14th

Given that most almanacs indicate the Sun's transit occurring in the afternoon of. January 14th, several regions across India are celebrating Makar Sankranti on this day. In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, the main festivities of Uttarayan, characterized by vibrant kite flying, are enthusiastically observed on January 14th, while people gather on rooftops from morning, filling the sky with colorful kites, symbolizing joy and freedom. In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the primary day for the harvest festival of Thai Pongal also falls on January 14th, celebrated with traditional fervor. According to Drik Panchang, the Punya Kaal (auspicious period) for Sankranti on January 14th is from 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM, which is considered propitious for charitable deeds and holy dips.

Reasons for Celebrating on January 15th

Conversely, scholars and astrologers in northern regions, notably Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Varanasi, advocate for celebrating Makar Sankranti on January 15th. Their preference is based on three significant religious and scriptural reasons. The first reason pertains to the concept of Udaya Tithi, or the date at sunrise, and local traditions. Scriptures emphasize that the tithi (lunar day) prevalent at sunrise holds significance for the entire day. Since the Sun's entry into Capricorn on January 14th occurs in the afternoon or night, observing the main bathing and charity. On January 15th, when the Sun is already in Capricorn at sunrise, is considered more meritorious and aligned with scriptural injunctions.

The second crucial reason involves the confluence of Shatila Ekadashi and the dietary restrictions associated with it. This year, Shatila Ekadashi also falls on January 14th. In Hinduism, consuming rice is strictly prohibited on Ekadashi, while 'Khichdi,' a dish primarily made with rice, is the main offering and traditional meal for Makar Sankranti. Consequently, devotees observing the Ekadashi fast can't consume khichdi on January 14th. Due to this religious constraint, many such devotees and families prefer to celebrate Makar Sankranti on January 15th, allowing them to partake in the khichdi (offering) without violating the Ekadashi fasting rules, thereby fully enjoying the festival.

Scriptural Views on Afternoon Bathing

The third reason relates to scriptural views on bathing times. According to Pandit Diwakar Tripathi, a renowned astrologer from Prayagraj, scriptures don't consider afternoon bathing as auspicious as morning bathing. Ancient texts like Dharma Sindhu and Narad Puran explicitly state that the Punya Kaal for Sankranti extends until midday of the following day. Based on these scriptural references, performing holy dips and charitable acts on the morning of January 15th is deemed most auspicious and beneficial. This ensures that devotees can perform their sacred bath at sunrise and complete their charitable activities during the most propitious period, thereby maximizing the spiritual benefits of the festival.

Choosing the Right Day for You

Amidst the confusion surrounding Makar Sankranti 2026, it's important to determine which option aligns best with your beliefs and practices. If you strictly adhere to religious traditions and almanac rules for performing charity and taking holy dips in sacred rivers, the morning of January 15th is considered the most auspicious and scripturally sound time, while on this day, you can perform your bath at sunrise, offer donations, and partake in the khichdi prasad. However, if your primary focus is on the festive celebrations and kite flying, the festivities have already commenced on January 14th, and you can participate according to your regional traditions, while ultimately, both days hold significance based on different beliefs and traditions, and devotees can choose to celebrate the festival according to their convenience and faith.