Makar Sankranti Date Explained: Why the Festival Will Be Celebrated on January 15 for the Next 54 Years.

If you are confused about whether to celebrate Makar Sankranti on the 14th or 15th, astronomical calculations have settled the debate not just for this year, but for decades to come. Experts state that for the next 54 years (until 2080), the festival will fall on January 15.

The Science Behind The Shift: According to Jyotishacharya Daivagya Krishna Shastri, the Sun's transit into a new zodiac sign gets delayed by 20 minutes every year.

This creates a cumulative gap of 24 hours (one full day) every 72 years.

Historically, the festival was celebrated on Jan 12 (1792-1863), then Jan 13 (1864-1936), and then Jan 14 (1936-2008).

We are now in the cycle where the transition happens late on the 14th, making the morning of the 15th the auspicious time (Punya Kaal) for the holy dip and donations.

This Year's Timing: Tonight (Jan 14, 2026), the Sun will enter Capricorn (Makar Rashi) at 9:39 PM. Since the transit is at night, the holy period begins the next sunrise. Therefore, the festival is being celebrated on Thursday, January 15.

Zodiac Advice: Devotees are advised to donate items based on their zodiac signs—such as jaggery for Leo, sesame/blankets for Capricorn, and green vegetables for Gemini—to gain maximum spiritual benefit.