Poush Sankranti / Makar Sankranti (Poush Parbon)

14 January 2026

Significance

The last day of the Pausha month. It marks the sun's transition into Capricorn (Makar), signalling the start of Uttarayana. In Bengal it is a harvest festival famous for Pithe-Puli. It is also the day millions take a holy dip at the Ganga Sagar Mela.

Rituals & Customs

Taking a morning bath and offering Arghya to the Sun God is essential. Households prepare traditional sweets (Pithe, Puli, Patishapta, Payesh) using newly harvested rice flour, date palm jaggery, and coconut, offering them to the household deities.

Fasting Rules

No strict fasting is mandated. The head of the family fasts until the morning worship and offerings are completed, after which everyone feasts on the sweet preparations.

Auspicious Timing

Morning hours of the Sankranti day (for holy dip and Sun worship).

Consult an Astrologer