Makar Sankranti in 2026 is primarily observed on January 14, marking the Sun's transition into Capricorn and the start of Uttarayan. While most sources confirm January 14 as the date, some Uttar Pradesh government orders indicated January 15 as a public holiday for the festival. Many schools across North India, including Delhi and Punjab, will be closed on January 14 or 15, often due to extended winter breaks and cold weather, in addition to festival observances. The festival is celebrated with various regional names and traditions, emphasizing harvest, new beginnings, and charity.