How many days until Makar Sankranti?

About Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a major Hindu festival celebrating the Sun's transition into Makara (Capricorn), marking the end of the winter solstice period and the beginning of longer days in the Indian subcontinent. Unlike most Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, which is why it falls on nearly the same Gregorian date each year. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, gratitude for a successful harvest, and the arrival of an auspicious season. Makar Sankranti is usually observed on January 14 and occasionally on January 15, depending on the precise astronomical timing of the Sun's transition into Capricorn. It is celebrated across India and Nepal under various regional names, including Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Magh Bihu in Assam, and Maghe Sankranti in Nepal. Celebrations vary by region but commonly include taking holy river baths, offering prayers to the Sun God (Surya), donating food and clothing to those in need, preparing sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, and gathering with family and friends. In many parts of India, colorful kite-flying festivals fill the skies, while agricultural communities celebrate the harvest with feasts, music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. A common misconception is that Makar Sankranti always falls on January 14. In reality, because the festival is determined by the Sun's astronomical movement rather than a fixed Gregorian date, it occasionally falls on January 15. Despite this slight variation, it remains one of the few Hindu festivals based primarily on the solar calendar.

Dates on this page are checked against public calendar sources. Spot something wrong? Let us know.