Makar Sankranti
Also known as Pongal, Uttarayan, Maghi
Calculated – not yet reviewed
Thursday 15 January 2026
Observance date and times for Auckland, New Zealand.
| Sankranti (solar ingress) | 10:35 pm, Wednesday 14 January 2026 |
|---|
About Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into Makara (Capricorn) in the sidereal zodiac — one of the few Hindu festivals set by the Sun rather than the Moon. It celebrates the harvest and the start of Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward journey.
How it is observed
Families take an early bath, offer prayers to Surya, share sesame-and-jaggery sweets (til-gul) and give to those in need. It is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan (with kite flying) in Gujarat and Maghi in Punjab.
About the time shown: The sankranti moment is when the Sun crosses into Makara. If it falls after local sunset, the observance moves to the next day.
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Calendar basis
Sun enters sidereal Makara (sankranti); moved to next day if after local sunset
Tradition: Pan-Hindu / Tamil / Gujarati / Punjabi. Customs differ between regions and families — follow your family tradition or temple where it differs.
Across New Zealand
| City | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Thu 15 Jan | — |
| Hamilton | Thu 15 Jan | — |
| Tauranga | Thu 15 Jan | — |
| Wellington | Thu 15 Jan | — |
| Palmerston North | Thu 15 Jan | — |
| Christchurch | Thu 15 Jan | — |
| Dunedin | Thu 15 Jan | — |
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