These four festivals will also be celebrated with great fervor in India on January 14 along with Makar Sankranti-2026
Festivals celebrated on January 14: The festival of Makar Sankranti holds special significance in Hinduism. Like every year, in 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14th. This day is considered a symbol of the union of Lord Surya (Sun God) and Lord Shani (Saturn). On this day, the Sun God enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara).
This festival also marks the beginning of the Sun's northward journey (Uttarayana), which is considered extremely auspicious from a religious point of view.
It is worth noting that Makar Sankranti is celebrated by different names throughout India. On this day, people fly kites. There is also a tradition of eating khichdi (a rice and lentil dish) on this festival. But this year, four other major festivals are also falling on Makar Sankranti. So, let's find out which these festivals are and what their traditions are?
Besides Makar Sankranti, these are the other major festivals:
The Pongal festival is celebrated on the same day as Makar Sankranti. In 2026, Pongal will be celebrated on January 14. This is a major agricultural festival of South India, especially Tamil Nadu. Just as Makar Sankranti is celebrated in North India when the sun begins its northward journey, the Pongal festival holds special significance in South India. The new year in Tamil Nadu is considered to begin with Pongal.
Pongal is celebrated for four days: First day is Bhogi Pongal. Second day is called Surya Pongal. Third day is Mattu Pongal and fourth day is known as Kannum Pongal.
How is the Pongal festival celebrated?
On Bhogi Pongal, people take a bath in the morning and worship Lord Indra. The house is thoroughly cleaned. Kolam (rangoli) designs are made in the courtyards and at the entrances of houses. In the evening, people gather together, play Bhogi Kottu (a traditional drum), sing folk songs, and exchange Pongal greetings and sweets.
Uttarayan Festival and its traditions
The Uttarayan festival is celebrated especially in Gujarat on the day of Makar Sankranti. In 2026, this festival will be celebrated on January 14th, while Vasi Uttarayan will be observed on January 15th. This festival is known for the world-famous kite festival. On this day, it is considered auspicious to worship the Sun God and take a holy dip in sacred rivers, and the special tradition of kite flying is also observed.
Makaravilakku Festival and Tradition
Makaravilakku is a famous annual festival of Kerala, celebrated at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on Makar Sankranti (January 14-15). On this day, the Makarjyoti (a divine light) is seen on the Ponnambalamedu hill, which is considered a divine manifestation.
The Makaravilakku festival begins with the Thiruvabharanam procession, in which the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried in a procession. This festival lasts for about seven days and is full of special prayers and rituals.
Shattila Ekadashi 2026
In 2026, the Shattila Ekadashi fast will also be observed on January 14th. This rare conjunction of Makar Sankranti and Shattila Ekadashi is happening after 23 years. Shattila Ekadashi is a sacred fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
It is believed that observing a fast and performing puja with proper rituals on this day destroys sins, ends life's troubles, and brings wealth, happiness, and prosperity.
January 14, 2026, is extremely important from a religious, cultural, and spiritual perspective. The confluence of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Makaravilakku, and Shattila Ekadashi makes this date special. This day symbolizes sun worship, charity, and new beginnings.