UTTARAYANAPUNNIAKALAM In 2026, the Uttarayana Punyakalam will primarily start onJanuary 14, with the transition of Sun occurringin the afternoon for most of India. However, some traditional calendars andspecific regional observances, particularly in certain parts of Tamil Nadu and forspecific rituals, will mark the beginning on January 15.
Key Details for 2026 Main Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, is the widelyaccepted date for Makara Sankranti and the start of the Punya Kaal, as the sunenters the Makara (Capricorn) sign during daylight hours. Sankranti Moment: The Sun is scheduled to enter MakaraRashi at approximately 3:13 PM IST on January 14, 2026. Punya Kaal (AuspiciousTime): This sacredperiod for rituals like holy baths, charity, and prayers to Surya Bhagawan (SunGod) is observed on January 14, from around 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM. Regional Variations: In regions following the Drik Panchang and many mainstreamcalendars, January 14 is the main day. In Tamil Nadu, the main festival of Pongal and the relatedUttarayana Auspicious Period are often observed on January 15. Some specific VakyaPanchangam traditions also list January 15 as the date for certain ancestralrituals (Tarpanam). The slight confusion stems from different calculation methodsin various Hindu calendars; however, the astronomical event (the Sun's transit)occurs on January 14 afternoon. Devotees are often advised to follow thespecific timings and dates appropriate to their local traditions or theguidance of their local temple priest Makara Sankranti Makara Sankranti isone of India’s oldest and most meaningful festivals. Unlike most Hindu celebrations that depend on thelunar calendar, this festival follows the solar cycle, making its date far moreprecise. Every year, it marks the moment when the Sun enters Makara(Capricorn) and begins its northward journey, known as Uttarayanam. Makara Sankranti 2026:Official Date and Time According to Drik Panchang and major Hindu calendars, MakaraSankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The Sun will enter Makara Rashi at around 3:13 PM IST on thatday. Since this planetary transition happens during daylight hours, thefestival and all its key rituals are observed on 14 January itself, not on the15th. Why People GetConfused Between 14 and 15 January? The confusion around Makara Sankranti dates is not new. Ithappens mainly because of how different Hindu calendars calculate ritualtimings. Some traditional panchangams follow sunrise-based rules. Ifthe Sun enters Makara very late in the evening, certain religious activitiesare sometimes shifted to the next day. However, in 2026, the transition happens in the afternoon,well before sunset. That means there is no reason to move rituals to 15 January,which firmly fixes 14 January as the main festival day. What Is Punya Kaal andWhy It Matters Punya Kaal is the most auspicious time for performing ritualson Makara Sankranti. It begins shortly after the Sun enters Makara and lastsfor a few hours. In 2026, since Sankranti happens at 3:13 PM, the Punya Kaalstarts the same day. This is the time when people take holy baths, offer waterto the Sun and give charity. As everything falls on 14 January, all majorobservances stay on that date. What Happens on MakaraSankranti Makara Sankranti marks a powerful astronomical shift the Sun movingfrom its southern path (Dakshinayan) to its northern journey (Uttarayan). This change is believed to bring hope, positivityand renewal. People across India celebrate the day with meaningfultraditions: Holy baths in rivers and at home to cleanse the body and soul.Suryapuja, where devotees offer water to the rising Sun.Charity and daan, especiallyfood, clothes and sesame seeds.Traditional foods like til laddoos, khichdi and sweets,symbolising warmth and harmony. How Different StatesCelebrate Makara Sankranti? While the meaning remains the same, the way Makara Sankrantiis celebrated changes from place to place. In Gujarat and Rajasthan,colourful kite festivals fill the skies. In Tamil Nadu, it iscelebrated as Pongal, a harvest festival spread over several days. In Assam and WestBengal, it appears as Magh Bihu and Poush Parbon, marking the end of theharvest season. Why Makara SankrantiIs So Special? Makar Sankranti is more than a festival. It connects threeimportant aspects of life: Astronomy, through the Sun’s movement Spirituality, as it is believed to be a highly rewarding timefor prayers and charity Agriculture, as it celebrates the harvest and nature’sgenerosity It is one of the few Indian festivals that stays linked tothe seasonal cycle, which is why it usually falls around the same time everyyear. My additions. Uttarayana Punniakalam is the time for all auspicious things. Bhishmar waited in the arrow bed till Uttarayana Punniakalamstarts for his death. Lying in the arrow bed Bhishmarrecited the Vishnu Sahasra namam, listened by Yudhisthira, Ysampayana etc. In SabarimalaiMakaravilakku is celebrated on 14-1-2026 Gopalakrishnan R. Informationis combined from websites. 14-1-2026 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/573973821.52171.1768362947927%40mail.yahoo.com.
