Makar Sankranti 2026 Date, Puja Time & Daan Rules

🪔 Introduction

Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makara), ushering in longer days, fresh beginnings, and renewed energy. Celebrated across India with kite flying, holy baths, charity (daan), and prayers, this festival symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.

In this guide, learn the Makar Sankranti 2026 date, auspicious puja timings (muhurat), and traditional daan guidelines to make the most of this sacred day.

📅 Makar Sankranti 2026 Date & Tithi

Date: January 14, 2026
Tithi: Shukla Paksha
Makar Sankranti generally falls between January 13–15 every year, aligning with the sun’s transition into Capricorn — a time of positive cosmic alignment.

⏰ Auspicious Puja Timings (Muhurat) 2026

To harness maximum spiritual benefit and divine blessings, observe puja during the Shubh Muhurat:

🕯️ Best Puja Time

🌞 Sankranti Moment (Sun enters Capricorn):
Around 08:45 AM IST (approximate)
🙏 Puja / Punya Kaal (Most Auspicious Time):
08:45 AM – 12:30 PM
🌅 Mahapunya Kaal (Best Time):
08:45 AM – 10:45 AM

Significance of Daan on Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti emphasizes generosity and cosmic balance. Daan (charity) on this day is believed to bring:

Spiritual merit (punya)
Removal of past karmic debts
Increased prosperity and peace
Blessings for family well-being

🎁 Recommended Daan (Charity) Practices

Book Gou mata seva puja online

Here are traditional and meaningful ways to give:

🍚 Food Donation

Offer rice, jaggery, sweets, or warm meals
Feed the needy during the daytime

🧣 Clothes & Essentials

Donate blankets, clothes, toiletries, or warm scarves
Perfect for winter charity

🪔 Spiritual Gifts

Distribute purohits prasadam, books, devotional items, or candles
Create long-lasting spiritual rewards

🐄 Cows & Animal Care

Feeding cows and birds on Makar Sankranti yields high punya

🪷 Rituals & Cultural Practices

Kite Flying: Symbolizes rising above obstacles and reaching higher consciousness
Holy Baths: Cleansing rituals in rivers like Ganga, Godavari, and Yamuna
Lakshmi Puja: Many also worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity