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According to Hindu Panchang, Makar Sankranti will fall on January 15 in 2028, 2032, 2036, 2040, and so on, up to 2100
Between 1900 and 1965, Makar Sankranti was celebrated 25 times on January 13. In earlier centuries, it was sometimes observed on January 12 or 13.
In 2025, Makar Sankranti falls on January 14, unlike the previous year when it was observed on January 15. For centuries, this festival has predominantly fallen on January 14, but in recent years, it has occasionally shifted to January 15. Why does this variation occur, and why is Makar Sankranti typically observed on January 14, unlike other Indian festivals that fall on different dates every year?
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is a significant day marking the Earth’s movement around the Sun. The Earth completes its revolution around the Sun in 365 days and 6 hours, which is divided into 12 parts according to both astronomy and astrology. These correspond to the 12 months of the year or the 12 zodiac signs. Each month, the Sun transitions from one zodiac sign to another, an event referred to as Sankranti. This usually happens on the 14 or 15 day of every month.
Makar Sankranti occurs when the Sun moves from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius to Capricorn. This transition holds immense religious, astrological, and scientific significance. For decades, this event typically occurred on January 14. However, since 2017, it has sometimes shifted to January 15.
Why Date Changes
The date of Makar Sankranti is determined by the Sun’s revolution and the solar calendar. Unlike most Indian festivals, which are based on the lunar calendar and thus vary annually in the Gregorian calendar, Makar Sankranti is aligned with the solar calendar. This alignment ensures that the festival’s date remains relatively constant.
While the date has remained steady for many years, it does shift occasionally due to gradual changes in the solar calendar. For instance, between 1900 and 1965, Makar Sankranti was celebrated 25 times on January 13. In earlier centuries, it was sometimes observed on January 12 or 13. In the 21st century, January 15 began to feature as an alternative date 2019 onwards. Over time, this shift will become more regular, and by the late 21st century, the festival will predominantly be observed on January 15 or 16.
The primary reason lies in the inaccuracy of the Gregorian calendar, which does not align perfectly with the Sun’s zodiac transitions. Each year, the Sun’s shift into a new zodiac sign advances by about 20 minutes compared to the previous year. Consequently, the date of Makar Sankranti shifts approximately every 72 years.
Future Dates For Makar Sankranti
According to Hindu Panchangs, Makar Sankranti will fall on January 15 in the years 2028, 2032, 2036, 2040, and so on, up to 2100.
Two Dates for Same Festival
The discrepancy arises because the Hindu Panchang does not follow a strict 24-hour day, nor does it start the day at midnight. For example, this year, Makar Sankranti begins at 9:03 AM. This variance often results in the festival being observed over two dates. Hence, it is not unusual for certain festivals to have overlapping dates.
