The scriptures clearly say that the festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated based on the ‘Udayatithi’ (the time of sunrise), and not merely according to the calendar date.
Makar Sankranti is celebrated based on ‘Udayatithi’
New Delhi: Like every time, this year too, there is confusion among people about Makar Sankranti 2026, whether this festival should be celebrated today or tomorrow--14 January or 15 January. What is the correct date and time this year to celebrate Makar Sankranti and the auspicious time for doing all the rituals.
So when is the auspicious time to celebrate Makar Sankranti according to religious scriptures and Pandits?
According to the renowned Astrologer Pandit Ved Prakash Mishra of Varanasi, on 14 January at 9:35 PM, the Sun will move from Sagittarius to Capricorn. Therefore, according to the scriptures, the festival of Makar Sankranti will be considered valid on the next day, 15 January. Ity is based on the Udaya Tithi (sunrise time).
(...being updated)
