10th

Paush

પૌષ

Gujarati

Dec 10–Jan 9 Lunar Capricorn (♑)

Major Festivals

Makar Sankranti

મકર સંક્રાંતિ

Mid Jan

Sun's transition into Capricorn, celebrated as harvest festival. Called Makar Sankranti in North, Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in South, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. Celebrated with new clothes, bonfires, and sugarcane.

Uttarayan

ઉત્તરાયણ

Jan 14

Northern solstice—the beginning of the Sun's northward journey. Considered spiritually auspicious as light begins its ascendancy.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Makar Sankranti (around Jan 14) — transition day, mildly auspicious despite Capricorn's restrictions

✓ Paush month generally — avoided for major new ventures due to Capricorn's austere nature

About Paush

પૌષ (Paush) marks winter's peak and the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makar Sankranti). While the month generally emphasizes austerity, Makar Sankranti itself is auspicious as the Sun begins its northward journey (Uttarayan). The month represents discipline and practical achievement. Harvest abundance is celebrated; gratitude is expressed. Diaspora Gujarati families celebrate Makar Sankranti with traditional foods (sesame-jaggery sweets, sugarcane), new clothes, and family gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Makar Sankranti 2026?

Makar Sankranti 2026 falls on January 14, 2026, marking the Sun's transition into Capricorn—a fixed solar date unlike most Hindu festivals.

What is Uttarayan?

Uttarayan (northward journey) marks the beginning of the Sun's northward movement after its southward journey (Dakshinayan). The transition is considered spiritually auspicious—symbolizing light's ascendancy and hope's renewal. Hindu tradition holds that souls departing during Uttarayan achieve higher spiritual states.

How do diaspora Gujaratis celebrate Makar Sankranti?

Diaspora Gujaratis celebrate with til-gur (sesame-jaggery sweets) exchanges, new cloth purchases, and gratitude pujas. Some organize community Makar Sankranti gatherings at temples. Traditional foods are prepared and shared with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of harvest season in diaspora contexts.

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