In 2026, Makar Sankranti becomes even more meaningful as it represents a powerful transition point: the Sun moves into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), beginning its northward journey (Uttarayan). In astrology, this movement signals discipline, clarity, growth, and long-term progress.
Simply put, this is the moment to reset, realign, and move forward with intention.
Let’s break down why Makar Sankranti 2026 matters, what rituals truly work, and how you can attract positivity in a grounded, meaningful way.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date and Time
In 2026, Makar Sakranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
The Kaal Muhurat is:
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Makara Sankranti Punya Kala - 03:13 PM to 05:45 PM (Duration - 02 Hours 32 Mins)
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Makara Sankranti Maha Punya Kala - 03:13 PM to 04:58 PM (Duration - 01 Hour 45 Mins)
Makar Sakranti Puja Time: The most auspicious period for performing Makar Sankranti pooja or rituals is early morning, around sunrise (06:45 AM – 07:30 AM), when the Sun begins its northward journey.
The Astrological Significance of Makar Sankranti 2026
Most Hindu follow the lunar calendar.
Makar Sankranti doesn’t.
It is based on the Sun’s movement, making it astrologically unique and powerful.
When the Sun moves into Capricorn:
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Focus shifts to responsibility and long-term planning
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Ambitions become clearer
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Karmic patterns start unfolding
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Spiritual discipline gains strength
This period is considered ideal for:
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Letting go of emotional or mental baggage
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Starting new goals or phases of life
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Karmic cleansing
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Strengthening positive spiritual energy
This is why rituals and remedies started during Makar Sankranti are believed to bring stronger and lasting impact.
Traditional & Astrological Rituals of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is not just about marking a solar transition - it is also about performing intentional rituals that support renewal and positivity.
Across India, rituals may differ in form, but the purpose remains the same: cleansing, gratitude, and forward movement.
1. Early Morning Cleansing Ritual
The day traditionally begins with:
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Early morning bathing
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Wearing clean or light-colored clothes
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Cleansing the home and prayer area
This ritual symbolizes letting go of past negativity and preparing the mind and body for new beginnings.
2. Sun Offering (Surya Arghya)
Since Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition, offering water to the Sun is considered highly auspicious.
This ritual is believed to:
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Strengthen confidence and clarity
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Balance solar energy
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Invite discipline and stability into life
Many people choose this moment to set personal intentions for the year ahead.
3. Lighting Incense and Creating a Sacred Space
Lighting incense sticks or dhoop during prayers is a widely followed ritual on Makar Sankranti.
This practice helps:
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Purify the surroundings
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Create a focused environment for prayer or meditation
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Clear stagnant energies during planetary transitions
Astrologically, fragrance supports smooth energy circulation—making this ritual especially effective during Uttarayan.
4. Beginning Spiritual Remedies
Makar Sankranti is considered an ideal time to begin wearing spiritual and astrological tools, as remedies initiated during this phase are believed to show stronger results.
Common practices include:
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Starting to wear Rudraksha for grounding and discipline
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Activating gemstone remedies as per horoscope guidance
Beginning these practices on Makar Sankranti helps align personal energy with the Sun’s northward movement.
5. Gratitude and Charity
Acts of charity such as donating food, clothes, or essentials are an important part of Makar Sankranti rituals.
This practice is associated with:
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Karmic cleansing
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Cultivating gratitude
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Strengthening positive planetary influence
Giving during this time is believed to multiply positive outcomes.
Why Rituals Matter During Makar Sankranti?
Rituals performed during Makar Sankranti are not about tradition alone. They help:
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Create emotional and mental clarity
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Anchor intentions into daily life
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Support long-term growth and stability
When done mindfully, these rituals turn the festival into a conscious reset point rather than just a celebration.
Regional Celebrations of Makar Sankranti in India: Several Names, Same Faith
While Makar Sankranti marks the same solar transition across the country, its celebrations unfold in beautifully diverse ways. Each region adds its own cultural flavor, rituals, and symbolism, making the festival a true reflection of India’s unity in diversity.
1. Lohri (Punjab & Haryana) - Gratitude to Fire
Celebrated on the night before Makar Sankranti, Lohri 2026 is a joyful homage to Agni Dev, the god of fire. Families and communities gather around crackling bonfires, dancing to energetic dhol beats and offering peanuts, sesame seeds, rewri, and popcorn to the flames.
Symbolism:
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Burning away negativity and hardships
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Welcoming warmth, abundance, and prosperity
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Celebrating community bonding and gratitude
2. Pongal (Tamil Nadu): A Four-Day Harvest Celebration
Pongal 2026 is a vibrant, four-day festival dedicated to the harvest. The highlight is cooking freshly harvested rice in new clay pots under the open sky. As the rice boils over, people cheer, for “Pongal” literally means overflowing a sign of abundance and good fortune.
The ritual signifies:
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A bountiful harvest
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Prosperity and happiness in every home
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Gratitude to Surya (the Sun God) and to cattle, which play a vital role in farming
3. Uttarayan (Gujarat): When the Sky Turns Colourful
In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is synonymous with Uttarayan, the famous kite festival. Rooftops transform into celebration zones as millions of colourful kites fill the sky, accompanied by music, laughter, and festive delicacies.
Symbolism:
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Dreams and ambitions taking flight
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Renewed energy and optimism
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Freedom, creativity, and joy
4. Magh Bihu (Assam): Feasts & Community Joy
Known as Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu, the festival in Assam centres around food, feasting, and togetherness. Communities come together to light bonfires, prepare traditional Assamese delicacies, and celebrate the end of the harvesting season with warmth and gratitude.
5. Khichdi Parv (North India): Simplicity & Spiritual Merit
In Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and nearby regions, Makar Sankranti is observed as Khichdi Parv. Devotees offer khichdi, til (sesame), and daal at temples, symbolising simplicity and nourishment. Many pilgrims gather at sacred sites like Prayagraj and Gangasagar for holy dips, believed to bring immense spiritual merit.
How to Balance Planetary Influence During Makar Sankranti
Planetary transitions affect everyone differently. But the right spiritual tools can help stabilize energy during change.
One of the most widely recommended remedies during this solar transition is Rudraksha.
Why Rudraksha Is Considered Auspicious During Makar Sankranti
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It is associated with Lord Shiva, symbolizing balance and control
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It aligns with the Sun’s movement into a disciplined earth sign
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It helps ease stress linked to Saturn’s influence
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It supports emotional stability and mental clarity
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It enhances focus while calming inner turbulence
During this time, 5 Mukhi and 7 Mukhi Rudraksha are commonly chosen as they support patience, grounding, and steady growth - qualities closely linked to Capricorn energy.
For anyone entering a new phase in career, relationships, or spiritual practice in 2026, Rudraksha acts as a steady companion quietly strengthening inner resilience.
Purifying Your Space During Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti isn’t just about inner alignment. It’s also about cleansing the space around you.
This is where incense sticks or dhoop play an important role.
Burning incense has traditionally been associated with:
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Clearing stagnant or heavy energies
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Creating a focused and calm atmosphere
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Preparing the environment for prayer and reflection
Astrologically, fragrance is linked to the air element, which helps energy circulate smoothly. Lighting incense during and after Makar Sankranti:
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Helps reset your surroundings
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Enhances concentration
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Supports emotional balance during planetary transitions
It’s a small ritual but one that creates a noticeable shift in how a space feels.
Harnessing Planetary Energy With Gemstones in 2026
Once Makar Sankranti passes, planetary movements begin shaping the year ahead in distinct ways for each zodiac sign.
This is where gemstones become relevant.
Gemstones are known to:
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Channel specific planetary energies
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Strengthen favorable influences
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Reduce challenges indicated in the birth chart
Wearing gemstones after Makar Sankranti is considered beneficial because:
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The Sun’s transition activates long-term karmic patterns
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Gemstones help align personal energy with planetary vibrations
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They support confidence, clarity, and emotional balance
During this period, gemstones such as Ruby, Red Coral, Citrine, and Moonstone are often considered depending on individual horoscopes in 2026.
Beginning gemstone remedies during this spiritually active phase helps ensure that intentions are set mindfully and effectively.
Consulting an expert astrologer before wearing gemstones is always recommended for correct selection and activation.
Conclusion
Makar Sankranti 2026 is the perfect time to reset, realign, and welcome positivity into your life. By following simple rituals, wearing auspicious Rudraksha, or activating gemstone remedies, you can harness the Sun’s energy for clarity, growth, and long-term balance.