Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival celebrated when the Sun enters Capricorn. It symbolizes harvest season and new beginnings. In 2026, it will be observed on January 14.
Festival Significance
Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of Uttarayana, when the Sun transitions from Dakshinayan to Uttarayana. According to mythology, Bhagirath performed penance to bring Ganga to Earth, linking this festival to Ganga bath. Astrologically, it enhances Sun's power, bringing health, prosperity, and good fortune. According to SkillAstro, charity on this day reduces kundali doshas. In Vedic astrology, Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, so consuming til-gud mitigates Saturn dosha.
2026 Date and Auspicious Timings
According to the panchang, Makar Sankranti 2026 falls on January 14 (Wednesday). Sun's entry into Capricorn occurs at 2:38 PM. Key auspicious timings:
Bathing Muhurat: 6:00–8:00 AM (Ganga or sacred river)
Puja Muhurat: 7:30–9:30 AM
Charity Muhurat: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Uttarayana Begins: January 14, 2:38 PM onwards
Ganga Sagar Mela will be held in Abu Dhabi or Prayagraj. Kite flying is popular in North India.
Step-by-Step Puja Ritual
Makar Sankranti puja is simple yet powerful. Follow these steps:
Bath: Take bath in Brahma Muhurat morning, using water mixed with sesame seeds.
Materials: Sesame seeds, jaggery, sugarcane, khichdi, red cloth, sandalwood, flowers, incense.
Worship: Establish Sun deity facing north on clean surface. Chant Sun mantra "Om Ghṛṇi Sūryāya Namaḥ" 108 times.
Havan: Offer sesame-jaggery in sacred fire.
Charity: Donate black sesame, jaggery, blanket to Brahmins.
Aarti: Perform Sun aarti followed by prasad distribution.
Astrologer Tip: Wear gemstones according to rashi. Aries natives: coral; Leo: ruby.
Til-Gud Health Benefits
Til-gud laddoo is the main prasad of Sankranti. In Ayurveda, sesame has warming potency that reduces kapha dosha. Jaggery is iron-rich, preventing anemia. Combined benefits:
Reduces joint pain
Boosts immunity
Prevents cold-cough
Improves digestion
Weight control (1-2 laddoos sufficient)
Diabetics should consume less jaggery. SkillAstro Tip: Eating jaggery on Sankranti strengthens Venus.
Makar Sankranti Rashifal for 12 Signs
Special 2026 predictions as Sun enters Capricorn affecting all signs:
| Rashi | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Mesha | Financial gains, career advancement |
| Vrishabha | Marriage yoga, partnership success |
| Mithuna | Beneficial travel, educational success |
| Karka | Parental happiness, property gains |
| Simha | Career peak, promotion |
| Kanya | Business growth, wise investments |
| Tula | Blissful love life |
| Vrishchika | Children happiness, good health |
| Dhanu | Religious travel, respect |
| Makara | Fortune rise, new ventures |
| Kumbha | Foreign travel yoga |
| Meena | Financial stability |
Download SkillAstro app for complete kundali analysis.
Regional Festival Variations Across India
Punjab: Lohri celebrations with bonfire, kite flying
Gujarat: Uttarayayan kite festival, colorful skies
Tamil Nadu: Pongal, four-day harvest festival
Bengal: Ganga Sagar Mela, millions bathe
Maharashtra: Til-gulacha, Sankranti khichdi
Haryana: Havan, jaggery-sesame distribution
In Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow), Ganga bath and fairs are organized.
Astrological Remedies and Tips
To reduce Saturn-Sun effects:
Offer water to Sun (copper vessel)
Apply til-chandan tilak
Feed roti to cow
Give jaggery to black dog
Chant "Om Sūryāya Namaḥ" 19,000 times
For negative energy removal, draw cow dung swastika at home. SkillAstro Special: Capricorn natives install Saturn yantra.
Festival Foods and Diet
Sattvic foods for Sankranti:
Til-gud laddoos
Khichdi (sesame-chana dal)
Sugarcane juice
Halwa
Puri-kachori
Fasting individuals consume only til-gud. Nutrition: Sesame rich in calcium, jaggery in minerals.
Scientific Significance
Uttarayana sun rays boost Vitamin D. Sesame oil keeps joints warm. Harvest festival uplifts farmers. Sun cycles important for climate change.
History and Mythology
Lord Vishnu determined Sankranti date. Story of Kapila Muni and Sun's daughter Yamuna. Mentioned in Mahabharata.
FAQs
When is Makar Sankranti 2026?
January 14, 2026; Sun enters Capricorn at 2:38 PM.
Why eat til-gud?
For Saturn dosha removal and health benefits.
Best puja timing?
7:30–9:30 AM morning.
Why fly kites?
Symbol of Uttarayana, flying away evil.
Importance of Ganga snan?
Sin removal and moksha attainment.