2026 Sankranti Puja Dates
Complete Sankranti Calendar (Shaka Samvata 1947–1948)
In the Hindu calendar, Sankranti marks the moment when the Sun transits from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to another. These solar transitions are considered highly significant in Hindu astronomy, astrology, and religious traditions. In 2026, a total of twelve Sankranti will be observed, each carrying spiritual, astrological, and cultural importance.
This article provides a complete list of 2026 Sankranti Puja dates, precise Sankranti moments, and explains the religious significance of Sankranti days.
What Is Sankranti?
The word Sankranti comes from Sanskrit and means “transition” or “movement”. It specifically refers to the movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another.
Unlike most Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, which makes its dates relatively fixed every year.
2026 Sankranti Puja Dates
(Shaka Samvata 1947–1948)
Below is the complete Sankranti calendar for 2026, including the exact Sankranti moments:
Makara Sankranti
- Date: January 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Festival: Makara Sankranti / Pongal
- Sankranti Moment: 03:13 PM
Makara Sankranti is the most important Sankranti of the year and is celebrated across India. In South India, it is observed as Pongal and celebrated over four days.
Kumbha Sankranti
- Date: February 13, 2026 (Friday)
- Sankranti Moment: 04:14 AM
Meena Sankranti
- Date: March 15, 2026 (Sunday)
- Sankranti Moment: 01:08 AM
Mesha Sankranti
- Date: April 14, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Significance: Solar New Year
- Sankranti Moment: 09:38 AM
Mesha Sankranti marks the Solar New Year in many regions and is celebrated as:
- Puthandu (Tamil New Year)
- Vishu (Kerala)
- Baisakhi (Punjab, nearby dates)
Vrishabha Sankranti
- Date: May 15, 2026 (Friday)
- Sankranti Moment: 06:28 AM
Mithuna Sankranti
- Date: June 15, 2026 (Monday)
- Sankranti Moment: 12:59 PM
Karka Sankranti
- Date: July 16, 2026 (Thursday)
- Sankranti Moment: 11:45 PM
Simha Sankranti
- Date: August 17, 2026 (Monday)
- Sankranti Moment: 08:04 AM
Kanya Sankranti
- Date: September 17, 2026 (Thursday)
- Festival: Vishwakarma Puja
- Sankranti Moment: 07:58 AM
Kanya Sankranti is especially important for engineers, artisans, craftsmen, and industrial workers, as it coincides with Vishwakarma Puja.
Tula Sankranti
- Date: October 17, 2026 (Saturday)
- Sankranti Moment: 07:57 PM
Vrishchika Sankranti
- Date: November 16, 2026 (Monday)
- Sankranti Moment: 07:48 PM
Dhanu Sankranti
- Date: December 16, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Sankranti Moment: 10:29 AM
Dhanu Sankranti is significant in South India and marks the beginning of the Margazhi month, considered highly auspicious for devotion and bhajans.
Important Panchang Notes
- All timings are given in 12-hour format
- Time is calculated for New Delhi, India
- Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise
- Times after midnight belong to the next calendar day
- Daylight Saving Time (DST) applied where applicable
Types of Sankranti in Hindu Calendar
The twelve Sankranti are classified into four categories:
Ayan Sankranti
Marks the Sun’s northward and southward movement:
- Makara Sankranti (Uttarayana)
- Karka Sankranti (Dakshinayana)
Vishuva Sankranti
Represents the equinoxes:
- Mesha Sankranti
- Tula Sankranti
Vishnupadi Sankranti
Associated with Lord Vishnu and spiritual merit.
Shadshitimukhi Sankranti
Considered especially auspicious for charity and religious acts.
Importance of Makara Sankranti
Among all Sankranti, Makara Sankranti is the most widely celebrated and spiritually significant. Due to its importance, many people simply refer to it as “Sankranti”.
In South India, Makara Sankranti (Pongal) is celebrated for four days:
- Bhogi
- Thai Pongal
- Mattu Pongal
- Kaanum Pongal
Sankranti and Charity (Daan)
All Sankranti days are considered highly auspicious for charity, especially:
- Donating food grains
- Clothes and blankets
- Feeding cows and birds
- Offering help to the needy
However, auspicious ceremonies like weddings and griha pravesh are generally avoided on Sankranti days.
Conclusion
The 2026 Sankranti calendar highlights the importance of solar transitions in Hindu tradition. From the widely celebrated Makara Sankranti on January 14, 2026, to Dhanu Sankranti on December 16, 2026, each Sankranti offers an opportunity for spiritual reflection, charity, and gratitude.
Understanding Sankranti dates helps devotees plan:
- Religious rituals
- Puja timings
- Charity activities
- Festival observances
