Makar Sankranti 2027 falls on Thursday 14 January 2027, according to the Government of India’s official list of holidays for 2027.
| Date (2027) | Day |
|---|---|
| Thu 14 Jan | Makar Sankranti |
| Fri 15 Jan | Pongal (Tamil Nadu) |
What Makar Sankranti marks
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival that marks the sun’s move into Makara (Capricorn). Unlike most Hindu festivals it follows the solar calendar, so it usually falls on 14 or 15 January. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and welcome longer days.
One festival, many names
- Uttarayan in Gujarat, famous for kite flying.
- Pongal in Tamil Nadu, named after the sweet rice dish.
- Magh Bihu in Assam, with community feasts.
- Sankranti in many other regions, often with sesame and jaggery sweets.
Ways to celebrate
- Fly kites with family and friends (and pick up broken string afterwards to protect birds).
- Make or share sesame and jaggery sweets, often given with the words “eat sweet, speak sweet” in Marathi-speaking homes.
- Share food with neighbours, or donate to those in need.
- Draw a rangoli at your door. Print our rangoli outlines.
Dates from the Government of India, Department of Personnel & Training: holidays for central government offices in Delhi/New Delhi, 2027 (O.M. No. 12/2/2023-JCA, 16 July 2026). Festivals follow the Hindu lunar calendar, so dates change every year and can differ by a day between regions and countries. For exact timings, ask your local temple or community.
Add to Google Calendar See the full 2027 calendar
Frequently asked questions
When is Makar Sankranti in 2027?
Makar Sankranti falls on Thursday 14 January 2027, according to India’s official 2027 holiday list.
Why is Makar Sankranti almost always on 14 or 15 January?
It follows the solar calendar, marking the sun’s move into Capricorn, so its date stays close to the same day each year.
Is Pongal the same as Makar Sankranti?
Pongal is the Tamil harvest festival celebrated at the same time of year. In 2027 the main day of Pongal falls on Friday 15 January 2027.
