Makara Sankranthi - January 14, 2026

Dear Members:

The auspicious Makara Sankranthi (celebrated as Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu) falls on January 14, 2026 this year. We extend our best wishes to all readers of our blog on this occasion.

The Sankranthi punya kaalam is at 3:13 p.m. IST., on January 14, 2026.  Since this happens before sunset in  most parts of the world,  this is the day when Makara Sankranthi is to be observed (observed as Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu).  

Those living in far East countries like Japan, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries of the Oceania region must observe Sankranthi on Jan 15, 2026.

Kindly note that due to calculation differences, many Vaakya panchangams consider the sankranthi moment to be after sunset in India, and so might indicate Pongal to be celebrated on Jan 15, 2026.  BUT, per drik ganitha considerations, it is more correct to observe the Sankranthi related austerities on Jan 14, 2026 only, and we will be doing our austerities in this connection only in the period between 3:13 p.m. and sunset of Jan 14, 2026.

This is an auspicious day to propitiate Lord Surya (Sun God) - expressing our thanks for His Benevolence upon us in the previous year. Recital of Aditya Hrudayam, Surya Atharvaseersha upanishad, Suryaashtakam, etc. will help you to gain the Grace of the Supreme Almighty whose Radiance shines through Sun and various other stars in our galaxy(Though there are even brighter stars than Sun - it is the Sun whose rays benefit us on earth; and hence we offer our respects to Sun God; remember that we are offering our respects not merely to the visible Sun, BUT, to the sarvaantaryaami Paramaatma whose Infinite Radiance and Life-Sustaining/ Nurturing qualities are represented better by Sun's brilliance than any other thing that is immediately observable to human eyes on a daily basis). Worshipping Sun can ensure good health - shastras say "Aroghyam pradaatu Dinakarah:" Besides health, recital of Aaditya Hrudayam helps in improving professional prospects and winning over obstacles in life. Anyone who is facing seemingly daunting tasks in life can benefit by reciting Aaditya Hrudayam 9 times at a stretch as an emergency prayer. Similarly those suffering from skin ailments can benefit by reciting Surya Ashtakam (which benefitted Saambha - the Son of Lord Krishna).


May our members enjoy good health and dazzling tejas by the Grace of the Sun God.

Note:  Though Ekaadasi falls on Jan 15, 2026, since Sankraanthi happens this day which is an auspicious celebration, householders are recommended to observe this day as a festival rather than observe a full-fast.  Ekaadasi fast may be observed in a diluted way - by just avoiding ritually avoidable food items (like onion/ garlic, etc.), and may be just eating once on the Sankranthi day - i.e. after the poojas at the Sankranthi punya kaalam after 3:13 p.m. IST instead of observing a nirjala total fast as is done by deeply devout observers on Ekaadsasi.  

Blessed be.
Pandit R. DAKSHINAMOORTHI.

www.kasamba.com/psychic/pandit-dakshinamoorthi