When is Makar Sankranti 2026?

In 2026, Makar Sankranti falls on Wednesday, January 14th. This auspicious festival marks the Sun's transition into the Capricorn zodiac sign (Makar Rashi) and is one of the most significant harvest festivals celebrated across Maharashtra and all of India.

What is the specialized food of this day?

Traditional Marathi 'Pithe' and 'Puli' made with rice flour and 'jaggery (gul)' (date palm jaggery).

Why is Ganga Sagar Pilgrimage held on this day?

It marks the auspicious transition of the Sun into Capricorn, and thousands gather to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges where it meets the sea.

What is jaggery (gul) and why is it special?

Tilgul (sesame and jaggery) is the soul of all Makar Sankranti sweets in Maharashtra. Families exchange Tilgul with the greeting — Tilgul ghya, god god bola.

Which specific Pithe is traditional for this day?

Tilgul Ladoo, Til Poli, and Puran Poli are the most popular traditional sweets made in every Marathi household.

Makar Sankranti 2026 | मकर संक्रांती

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About Makar Sankranti(उत्सव माहिती)

Makar Sankranti, or Makar Sankranti as we call it in Maharashtra, is the sweetest day of winter. It's that time of year when every Marathi home is filled with the aroma of freshly made Pithe and Puli. As the sun begins its journey north, we celebrate the harvest with jaggery (gul) (date palm jaggery) and newly harvested rice. Whether it's taking a holy dip at Gangasagar or competing with neighbors in a kite-flying duel, Makar Sankranti 2026 is a day of warmth, food, and tradition that brings a cozy end to the winter chill.

History: Historically and astronomically, the festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer, warmer days. In Maharashtra, it is deeply tied to the agrarian identity of the Deccan region, honoring the Earth's fertility and the Sun's life-giving energy. The day also holds massive mythological significance due to the Ganga Sagar Pilgrimage, commemorating the descent of the holy river Ganges to Earth.

Significance: It is a celebration of prosperity and agricultural abundance. In Maharashtra, the Ganga Sagar Pilgrimage attracts millions of pilgrims for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Maharashtra.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Holy dip in the Ganges, especially at Gangasagar.

Flying colorful kites (Guddi उड़ा).

Making 'Pithe' and 'Puli' at home.

Alpana (floor art) with rice paste.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

PatisaptaPoush PitheDudh PuliChakli Pithejaggery (gul)er kheer

Festival Calendar

Jan14

Makar Sankranti

२६ पौष • मकर संक्रांती

Wed

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Quick Info

FestivalMakar Sankranti

Date14 January 2026

DayWednesday

Tithiएकादशी

Marathi Date२६ पौष १९४७

Pakshaकृष्ण पक्ष

Panchang Details

Sunrise6:30 AM

Sunset5:20 PM

Nakshatraभरणी

Yogaवज्र

Karanaकौलव

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