Makar Sankranti 2026 Date January 14 or 15? Check auspicious time to eat and donate khichdi, and when the Sun enters Capricorn

Makar Sankranti, one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, has sparked an unusual debate this year. Many people are unsure whether the festival will fall on January 14 or January 15. While calendars and social media offer mixed signals, the answer lies in the Sun’s movement and traditional Panchang rules.

Why the Makar Sankranti 2026 date is causing confusion

Makar Sankranti marks the moment when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), signalling the start of Uttarayan. Because this solar transition does not follow a fixed clock across locations and Panchangs, confusion over dates is common every few years. In 2026, the debate has returned, with people divided between January 14 and January 15.

Also Read: Ekadashi in January 2026: Check Shattila Ekadashi and Jaya Ekadashi tithi date, shubh muhurat and mantras to please Lord Vishnu

Makar Sankranti 2026 kab hai January 14 or January 15?

Several astrologers on social media said Makar Sankranti should be celebrated on January 14, as the Sun enters Capricorn on that day. According to them, Makar Sankranti symbolises the beginning of Uttarayan and a phase associated with prosperity and blessings from Surya Dev. They add that January 15 falls on a Thursday, a day when eating khichdi is considered prohibited by some traditions. Based on planetary positions, January 14 is the more auspicious date, and Shattila Ekadashi will also be observed on the same day till 3 pm.

Makar Sankranti 2026 auspicious timings for worship & charity: When to donate and eat Khichdi?
Certain periods on Makar Sankranti are considered especially sacred for bathing, worship, and donations. In 2026, the Punya Kaal is from 3:13 pm to 5:45 pm on Jaunary 14, while the Maha Punya Kaal is from 3:13 pm to 4:58 pm. Religious activities performed during these windows are believed to bring maximum spiritual benefit.

Several religious scholars are advising people to donate Khichdi on January 14 during the special donation window that will remain from 3:13 pm to 5:45 pm. However, khichdi consumption can be done on January 15 if people wish, since Shattila Ekadashi also falls on January 14. People can wait for the end of the thithi till 3:13 pm on January 14, but the festival itself should still be observed on January 14, as that is when the Sun enters Uttarayan.

Makar Sankranti is closely linked to farming, harvest, and nature, making the Sun’s transit the primary basis for deciding the date. According to Panchangs, the Sun’s entry into Capricorn is happening around 3:13 pm on January 14.

So, despite differing opinions, most suggestions are leaning towards celebrating Makar Sankranti on January 14, 2026. The Sun’s daytime transit into Capricorn makes January 14 the more favourable and widely accepted date.

For those who prefer morning rituals, the auspicious time for bathing and charity is from 9:03 am to 10:48 am on January 15.