This year, Makar Sankranti will be observed on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, during Pausha Krishna Paksha Ekadashi under the Anuradha Nakshatra. On this day, the Moon will be in Scorpio, and auspiciously, it coincides with Shattila Ekadashi, a highly sacred day in the Hindu calendar.
On this day, the Sun will enter Capricorn (Makara), Saturn resides in Pisces, and Jupiter is in Gemini. Mars, Venus, and Mercury are in Sagittarius and will also move into Capricorn soon. Rahu is in Aquarius, while Ketu is in Leo.
Two Special Spiritual Confluences
This year, Makar Sankranti brings two remarkable spiritual alignments:
- Shattila Ekadashi – A day highly favorable for fasting, worship, and devotion to Lord Vishnu.
- Sun’s entry into Capricorn – Makes the day particularly auspicious for Sun worship and charity.
According to astrologer P.K. Yug, the Sun enters Capricorn at 3:06 PM, marking the ideal time for spiritual practices. Devotees can begin sacred river baths and donate sesame seeds, turmeric, rice, jaggery, urad dal, and paddy after 8:46 AM, accruing immense spiritual merit.
End of Kharmaas and Accumulation of Merit
Makar Sankranti also marks the end of Kharmaas, a month-long period considered inauspicious for major undertakings. This auspicious day allows for spiritual, charitable, and sacred actions that bring everlasting merit.
With the Sun entering Uttarayana, the days grow longer, symbolizing increased energy, positivity, and light in life. Devotees are encouraged to offer Arghya to the Sun, take holy baths in the Ganga or other sacred rivers, and donate items such as black sesame, rice, turmeric, salt, urad dal, paddy, khichdi, and jaggery. These acts are more than tradition—they are a pathway to spiritual growth and eternal blessings.
Thus, Makar Sankranti 2026 is not just a festival, but a golden opportunity for spiritual upliftment and accumulation of merit. The deeds performed on this day bring lasting positivity, prosperity, and divine grace into life.