Quick answer: Makar Sankranti 2027 is observed on Friday, 15 January, with the Punya Kaal from 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM and the Maha Punya Kaal from 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM (New Delhi). Drik lists the punya kaal on 15 January because the Sun enters Makara after sunset on 14 January (at 09:14 PM).
Facts checked November 2026.
| Observed on | Friday, 15 January 2027 |
|---|---|
| Punya Kaal | 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM (10 h 31 min) |
| Maha Punya Kaal (most auspicious) | 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM (1 h 45 min) |
| Sankranti moment | 09:14 PM, Thursday 14 January 2027 |
| Customs (traditional) | Holy bath (snan), charity (daan), til and khichdi |
| Place and source | New Delhi (IST), Drik Panchang |
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into Makara rashi (Capricorn). This page gives the 2027 punya kaal, the window traditionally used for the holy bath and daan. All times are for New Delhi in Indian Standard Time (IST), as given by Drik Panchang. In other cities the times can differ by a few minutes; times that depend on sunrise or sunset can differ more.
When is Makar Sankranti 2027: 14 or 15 January?
As per Drik Panchang for New Delhi, Makar Sankranti 2027 is observed on Friday, 15 January. The Sun moves into Makara at 09:14 PM on Thursday, 14 January. Drik lists the punya kaal (holy window) on 15 January because the Sun enters Makara after sunset on 14 January.
You may see some calendars or news posts mention 14 January, because that is the date of the transit itself. For the festival day and puja time, this page follows Drik Panchang’s observance date, 15 January.
What is the shubh muhurat for Makar Sankranti 2027?
Drik Panchang gives two windows. The Maha Punya Kaal is the most auspicious part, early in the morning. The wider Punya Kaal lasts most of the day, so families who cannot bathe early still have time.
| Muhurat | Date | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maha Punya Kaal (most auspicious) | 15 January 2027 | 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM | 1 h 45 min |
| Punya Kaal | 15 January 2027 | 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM | 10 h 31 min |
| Sankranti moment (Sun enters Makara) | 14 January 2027 | 09:14 PM | – |
Both windows start in the morning around sunrise, so the start time can shift more than a few minutes in cities far from Delhi, especially in the east and west of India.
What do people do on Makar Sankranti?
Traditionally the day is about snan (holy bath), daan (charity) and prayer to Surya Dev. Many pilgrims take a dip in the Ganga, for example at Haridwar; families who cannot travel often bathe at home with a little Ganga jal in the water.
Til (sesame) and gur (jaggery) sweets, and khichdi, are traditionally shared in many homes, and in parts of north India the day is simply called Khichdi. Around the same time the harvest is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Magh Bihu in Assam, each with its own customs.
How do you do Makar Sankranti puja at home?
Many families follow simple steps like these; follow your own family custom where it differs.
- Wake early on 15 January and bathe within the Maha Punya Kaal (07:15 AM to 09:00 AM) if you can, or at least within the Punya Kaal.
- Wear clean clothes and offer water to the Sun (Surya arghya).
- Pray to Surya Dev and your family deity, and light a diya.
- Give daan as your family does, for example til, gur or warm clothes to those in need.
- Share til-gur sweets and khichdi with family and neighbours.
Planning a holy dip at Haridwar or Rishikesh?
Ghats can be crowded on the festival morning, so reach early and keep elders close. If Haridwar is the start of a longer yatra, our Char Dham yatra from Haridwar guide has the route details, and our Kedarnath yatra from Haridwar guide covers the hill route. For every other festival time this season, see our puja muhurat 2027 table.
How Yatra To Temples can help
If you would like a Haridwar or Rishikesh visit around the festival, share your dates and ask us.
Latest yatra updates
Frequently asked questions
When is Makar Sankranti in 2027?
Drik Panchang (New Delhi) gives Friday, 15 January 2027 as the observance day. The Sun enters Makara at 09:14 PM on 14 January.
Why is Makar Sankranti on 15 January and not 14 January in 2027?
Drik lists the punya kaal on 15 January because the Sun enters Makara after sunset on 14 January (at 09:14 PM). So this page follows 15 January for snan and daan.
What is the Maha Punya Kaal time in 2027?
The Maha Punya Kaal is 07:15 AM to 09:00 AM on 15 January 2027, a window of 1 h 45 min in New Delhi.
Until what time can I do snan and daan?
The Punya Kaal runs from 07:15 AM to 05:46 PM on 15 January (New Delhi). Snan and daan within this window are traditionally considered auspicious.
Are the times the same in Mumbai, Kolkata or Chennai?
No. These times are for New Delhi. Morning times follow sunrise, so they can differ by more than a few minutes in other cities. Check Drik Panchang for your city.
What should I donate on Makar Sankranti?
Traditionally til, gur, khichdi ingredients and warm clothes are given. Give what your family can, to people who need it.
What is the Sankranti moment in 2027?
Drik Panchang gives the Sankranti moment, when the Sun enters Makara, as 09:14 PM on Thursday, 14 January 2027 (New Delhi). The festival day is the next day, 15 January.
Sources
- Drik Panchang – Makar Sankranti 2027 date and punya kaal (New Delhi)
