Quick answer: Makar Sankranti 2027 is observed on Friday, 15 January 2027. The Sun enters Capricorn (Makar) at about 9:14 PM IST on 14 January, which is after sunset, so the holy bath, puja and daan are done during the Punya Kaal on the morning of 15 January. In New Delhi, Punya Kaal is about 7:15 AM – 5:46 PM, with the most auspicious Maha Punya Kaal from 7:15 AM to about 9:00 AM.
Makar Sankranti is one of the few Hindu festivals that follows the solar calendar. It marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn and the start of Uttarayan, the Sun's northward journey, which is considered an auspicious period.
Why is it on 15 January this time?
Many people remember Makar Sankranti as 14 January. The festival actually follows the exact moment the Sun enters Capricorn. When that moment falls after sunset, as it does in 2027, the bath, puja and charity move to the next morning. That is why most panchangs list 15 January for 2027.
Makar Sankranti 2027 timings (New Delhi)
| Observance | Date / time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Sun enters Capricorn | About 9:14 PM, Thursday 14 January |
| Makar Sankranti | Friday, 15 January 2027 |
| Punya Kaal | About 7:15 AM – 5:46 PM, 15 January |
| Maha Punya Kaal | About 7:15 AM – 9:00 AM, 15 January |
Timings differ by city; for example, Punya Kaal starts earlier in Chennai and Hyderabad. Check your local panchang.
One festival, many names
| Region | Festival | 2027 date (India) |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab, Haryana, Delhi | Lohri (bonfire on the eve) | Evening of Thursday, 14 January |
| Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu | Bhogi | Thursday, 14 January |
| Tamil Nadu | Thai Pongal | Friday, 15 January |
| Gujarat | Uttarayan (kite festival) | Friday, 15 January |
| Assam | Magh Bihu | Friday, 15 January |
| Tamil Nadu / Andhra | Mattu Pongal / Kanuma | Saturday, 16 January |
What to do on Makar Sankranti
- Holy bath: bathe in a river if possible (Prayagraj, Haridwar and Gangasagar draw millions). At home, add a little Ganga jal and black sesame to your bath water.
- Surya arghya: offer water to the rising Sun from a copper lota with red flowers, rice and a pinch of sindoor, chanting "Om Suryaya Namah" or the Gayatri mantra.
- Daan: charity on Sankranti is believed to bring great merit.
- Food: til-gur laddoo, khichdi, chikki, rewari and gajak are made in most homes.
What to donate on Makar Sankranti
- Til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) – the most traditional daan
- Khichdi – raw rice and urad dal, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (the festival is also called Khichdi there)
- Warm clothes and blankets – especially meaningful in January
- Ghee and grain to those in need or to a temple
Sankranti and the Sun
As the festival of Surya, Sankranti is a popular day to begin worship of the Sun. The 12 Mukhi Rudraksha is traditionally associated with Surya and with leadership and confidence, and the Surya Grah Yantra locket is a simple daily reminder. Ruby (Manik) is the Sun's gemstone, but like all primary gemstones it should be worn only after an astrologer has studied your birth chart.
Frequently asked questions
Is Makar Sankranti 2027 on 14 or 15 January?
15 January in India. The Sun enters Capricorn on the night of 14 January, so the day's observances move to the next morning. Lohri and Bhogi are on 14 January.
Why are kites flown on Uttarayan?
Kite flying welcomes the longer, sunnier days of Uttarayan and is a joyful community tradition, especially in Gujarat. Please use cotton string rather than glass-coated (Chinese) manjha, which injures birds and people.
Can I start wearing a Rudraksha on Makar Sankranti?
Yes, it is considered an auspicious day. Follow our step-by-step wearing guide.
Dates and timings are based on published panchangs for India and may vary by location. Spiritual associations reflect traditional beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes.