Sankranti 2026 is one of the most important Hindu harvest festivals in India. It marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn, which is why it is also known as Makar Sankranti. Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, so its date remains almost the same every year.
In this guide, you’ll find the Sankranti 2026 dates, details about the Bhogi festival, rituals, significance, and how 2026 Sankranti is celebrated across different regions of India.
Sankranti 2026 Dates (Important Days)
Many people search for Sankranti 2026 dates and Sankranti 2026 Bhogi, so here is the complete festival calendar:
- Bhogi Festival 2026: 14 January 2026
- Makar Sankranti 2026: 15 January 2026
- Kanuma 2026: 16 January 2026
- Mukkanuma 2026 (Some regions): 17 January 2026
These dates are widely followed in South Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
What Is Makar Sankranti, and Why Is It Celebrated?
Sankranti is a festival that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. It also marks the harvest season, when farmers express gratitude to the Sun God (Surya Dev) for prosperity and abundance.
During Sankranti 2026, people welcome positivity, new beginnings, and success. Charity and donations on Makar Sankranti are considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.
Bhogi Festival 2026: The First Day of Sankranti
Sankranti 2026 Bhogi is celebrated one day before the main festival. Bhogi represents removing negativity and starting fresh.
Common Bhogi traditions include:
- Bhogi bonfire (Bhogi Mantalu)
- Burning old household items
- Cleaning and decorating homes
- Rangoli and gobbemma designs
- Preparing special Bhogi dishes
The bonfire symbolizes letting go of the past and welcoming new energy into life.
How Makar Sankranti 2026 Is Celebrated in India
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
- Four-day celebration: Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma, Mukkanuma
- Kite flying competitions with colorful skies
- Traditional rangoli and festive food
- Popular dishes like ariselu, pongal, and sweet rice
Tamil Nadu
- Celebrated as Thai Pongal
- Pongal offered to the Sun God
- Mattu Pongal dedicated to cattle worship
Maharashtra & Gujarat
- Tilgul sweets made of sesame and jaggery
- Famous kite flying festivals in cities like Ahmedabad
- Greeting: “Tilgul ghya, goad goad bola”
North India
- Holy dip in rivers such as the Ganga
- Food and clothing donations
Known as Magh Sankranti in some regions
Different Names of Makar Sankranti Across India
Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India as a harvest festival, symbolizing gratitude toward nature and the Sun God for abundance and prosperity. While the spirit of the festival remains the same, its name and customs vary from region to region.
Here are the different names by which Makar Sankranti is known in various parts of India:
Uttarayan – Gujarat
Suggi Habba – Karnataka
Maghi Sankrant – Maharashtra
Makara Chaula – Odisha
Magh or Bhogali Bihu – Assam
Poush Sankranti – West Bengal
Thai Pongal – Tamil Nadu
Lohri – Punjab
Shishur Saenkraat – Kashmir
Khichdi Festival – Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Although these celebrations are known by different names, the essence of Uttarayan 2026 and Makar Sankranti remains the same everywhere. It represents the joy of harvest, the victory of light over darkness, and the importance of expressing gratitude to nature for a bountiful season.
This unity in diversity makes Makar Sankranti one of the most culturally rich and spiritually meaningful festivals celebrated across the country.
Astrological Significance of Makar Sankranti 2026
According to Hindu astrology, Sankranti 2026 holds great astrological importance as it marks a major solar transition. On this auspicious day, the Sun moves into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), beginning a favorable phase known as Uttarayan.
Key astrological reasons why Sankranti 2026 is considered special:
- The Sun’s entry into Makara Rashi brings stability, growth, and positive energy
- Uttarayan begins, which is considered spiritually progressive
- Planetary energies support new beginnings and goal setting
- Ideal time for meditation, charity, and spiritual practices
- Good deeds performed on this day give long-lasting astrological benefits
Due to this powerful solar shift, Sankranti 2026 is regarded as an excellent time for puja, daan (charity), self-reflection, and starting auspicious activities.
Auspicious Things to Do on Sankranti 2026
On 2026 Sankranthi, it is believed that the following actions bring good fortune:
- Take an early morning bath
- Offer prayers to the Sun God
- Donate rice, jaggery, and sesame seeds
- Feed cows and birds
- Wear traditional clothes
- Spend quality time with family
Foods Prepared During Makar Sankranti 2026
Festive food is a major highlight of Sankranti 2026:
- Til laddoos
- Pongal
- Ariselu
- Sweet rice
- Sugarcane
- Sesame-based dishes
Sesame seeds (til) are considered sacred and symbolize warmth, purity, and protection.
Why Sankranti 2026 Is Special
- Occurs during an auspicious solar transition
- Celebrated across India with unity
- Combines agricultural, spiritual, and cultural importance
- Famous for kite flying, charity, and family gatherings
Whether you call it Makar Sankranti 2026
Makar Sankranti, or 2026 Sankranthi, the essence of the festival remains the same—gratitude, joy, and renewal.
Final Thoughts
Sankranti 2026 is not just a festival; it is a celebration of hope, positivity, and harmony with nature. By knowing the correct dates, understanding Bhogi rituals, and following traditional customs, you can make this festival truly meaningful.
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