Makara Sankrathi 2026 is one of the most awaited harvest festivals in India, celebrated with deep cultural, agricultural, and astronomical importance. Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar cycle, makara sankrathi is based on the Sun’s movement, making it a solar festival with relatively fixed dates.
This detailed guide by olyv explains Makara Sankranti 2026 date and time, tithi, muhurat, Telugu calendar observance, Andhra Pradesh holidays, colours associated with the festival, and how Pongal 2026 fits into the larger Sankrathi celebrations.
Is Sankranti on 14th or 15th, 2026?
This is one of the most searched questions every year:
Is Sankranti Jan 14 or 15?
Makar Sankranti 2026 – 14 or 15?
Astronomical View
From an astronomical perspective, Makara Sankranti 2026 occurs on January 14, 2026, when the Sun enters Makara Rashi (Capricorn). This moment marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun’s northward journey.
Regional & Telugu Calendar View
However, regional calendars—especially the Telugu calendar—determine the celebration based on sunrise and ritual suitability. Because the solar transition happens after sunrise, the main ritual Sankranti day in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is January 15, 2026.
Simple explanation:
- January 14, 2026 → Astronomical Makara Sankrathi
- January 15, 2026 → Ritual Sankrathi day (Telugu calendar)
Both dates are correct depending on whether you follow astronomy or regional tradition.
Makara Sankranti 2026 Date and Time in India
Knowing the Makara Sankranti 2026 date and time is essential for puja, holy baths, donations, and Surya worship.
Makara Sankrathi 2026 Muhurat & Timing (IST)
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Sun enters Makara Rashi | January 14, 2026 (afternoon) |
| Punya Kaal | Afternoon to early evening |
| Maha Punya Kaal | First part of Punya Kaal |
Most families perform rituals during Punya Kaal on January 14 or after sunrise on January 15, depending on custom.
Makar Sankranti 2026 Tithi Konsi Hai?
Many devotees ask: “Makar Sankranti 2026 tithi konsi hai?”
Makara Sankrathi does not follow a lunar tithi like Ekadashi or Purnima. It is calculated purely on the Sun’s transit into Capricorn. Hence, the festival is solar-based, not tithi-based.
Sankranti 2026 Telugu Calendar Details
In the Sankranti 2026 Telugu calendar, the festival extends over multiple days, marking the end of the harvest season.
Sankranti 2026 Telugu Calendar Dates
| Festival Day | Date |
|---|---|
| Bhogi | January 14, 2026 |
| Sankranti | January 15, 2026 |
| Kanuma | January 16, 2026 |
| Mukkanuma (optional) | January 17, 2026 |
For Telugu households, January 15 is considered the most auspicious day for family gatherings and temple visits.
Sankranti 2026 Andhra Pradesh Holidays
Many people ask: When were Sankranti holidays in 2026?
In Andhra Pradesh, government holiday schedules generally include:
- Bhogi – January 14
- Sankranti – January 15
- Kanuma – January 16
This makes Makara Sankrathi 2026 a three-day public holiday period in the state.
Makara Sankranti 2026 Colour Significance
The Makara Sankranti 2026 colour traditionally associated with the festival is:
- Yellow – symbolising harvest, prosperity, and sunlight
- Red – energy and auspiciousness
- Green – agricultural abundance
These colours are commonly seen in rangoli, clothing, decorations, and festival artwork.
Sankranti 2026: How Many Days Is the Festival Celebrated?
Although Makara Sankranti is a single solar event, Sankrathi 2026 is celebrated over three to four days.
Why does Sankranti last multiple days?
- Agricultural rituals differ by day
- Each day has cultural significance
- Regional calendars expand observance
This makes Sankranti one of India’s longest and most inclusive harvest festivals.
What Are the Four Days of Pongal 2026?
In Tamil Nadu, Sankranti coincides with Pongal.
Four Days of Pongal 2026
| Day | Date | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bhogi Pongal | January 14 | Letting go of the old |
| Thai Pongal | January 15 | Main harvest celebration |
| Mattu Pongal | January 16 | Honouring cattle |
| Kaanum Pongal | January 17 | Family gatherings |
Despite different names, Pongal and makara sankrathi share the same solar foundation.
Sankranthi Telugu Movies & Posters 2026 (Cultural Note)
Searches like “Sankranthi movie releases 2026”, “Sankranthi Telugu movies 2026”, and “Makar Sankranti 2026 poster” usually increase during this festive season. Traditionally, Sankranti is a popular period for cultural programs, artwork, and festive releases, reflecting the celebratory spirit of the harvest season.
Is Makar Sankranti Celebrated on 14th or 15th in 2025?
For comparison:
- Makar Sankranti 2025 was celebrated on January 14
- Similar to 2026, regional observance extended to January 15 in some calendars
This comparison helps explain why the 14 or 15 confusion happens every year.
Sankranti 2026 Calendar Overview
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Makara Sankrathi 2026 | January 14 |
| Sankranti (Telugu main day) | January 15 |
| Kanuma | January 16 |
| Pongal Festival Ends | January 17 |
FAQs – Makara Sankrathi 2026
Is Sankranti Jan 14 or 15?
Astronomically, January 14. Ritually, January 15 in Telugu tradition.
When were Sankranti holidays in 2026?
January 14 to January 16 in Andhra Pradesh.
Why does Makara Sankranti not depend on tithi?
Because it is a solar festival, based on the Sun’s movement.
How is Makara Sankrathi important for farmers?
It marks the completion of the harvest season and gratitude for agricultural abundance.
Conclusion: Makara Sankrathi 2026 at a Glance
Makara Sankrathi 2026 beautifully blends astronomy, agriculture, and tradition. While January 14, 2026 marks the solar transition, January 15, 2026 holds ritual importance in the Telugu calendar and Andhra Pradesh.
With multi-day celebrations, regional diversity, and deep cultural roots, Sankrathi remains a festival of renewal, gratitude, and prosperity. This comprehensive guide by olyv provides accurate, calendar-based, and region-specific information to help you plan Sankranti 2026 meaningfully.
