Overview
- Makar Sankranti in 2026 falls on January 14, with WION citing the Punya Kala as 03:13–05:45 PM IST.
- The harvest festival is observed across India and Nepal under regional names such as Pongal, Uttarayan, Magh Bihu, Lohri and Pedda Panduga.
- Key practices include kite flying, bonfires, Surya worship, charity and ritual river baths, with large pilgrim gatherings at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam during Magh Mela.
- Sesame and jaggery sweets are central to the day, alongside regional dishes like Undhiyu in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, puran poli in Maharashtra and pithas in Assam and Bengal.
- Police and environmental groups have issued advisories urging safe kite materials and responsible public celebrations to reduce injuries and environmental harm.