Uttar Pradesh Declares Public Holiday for Makar Sankranti on January 15
The Uttar Pradesh government has declared January 15 as a public holiday in honor of Makar Sankranti, a significant Hindu festival. This decision affects all government offices and educational institutions across the state. The festival, celebrated on this date instead of the traditional January 14, marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn, ending the month of Kharmas and allowing for auspicious events. Major gatherings of devotees are expected at various Ganga ghats, where rituals such as bathing and charity will take place. Makar Sankranti is revered for its spiritual importance, believed to bring blessings of knowledge, prosperity, and the removal of negative planetary influences.
Jan 12, 2026, 15:02 IST
Public Holiday Announcement
The government of Uttar Pradesh, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has officially declared January 15 as a public holiday in celebration of Makar Sankranti. This announcement was made through an official notification and applies to all government offices, educational institutions, and state-run establishments. According to the notification, all state government departments, schools, and public sector institutions will remain closed. Notably, Makar Sankranti is being celebrated on January 15 this year, rather than the traditional date of January 14.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, significant crowds of devotees are expected at major Ganga ghats in Uttar Pradesh, including Prayagraj, Kanpur, Varanasi, Unnao, Meerut, and Bijnor. Pilgrims will bathe in rivers like the Ganga and Saryu and engage in charitable acts. Similarly, large gatherings of devotees are anticipated in Rishikesh and Haridwar. It is important to note that Makar Sankranti holds special significance in Hinduism. Worshipping the Sun God on this day is believed to yield the blessings of the Trinity. On Makar Sankranti, the Sun transitions from Sagittarius to Capricorn, marking a pivotal moment.
Cultural and Astrological Importance
The transition of the Sun into Capricorn is what defines Makar Sankranti. This event signifies the end of the month of Kharmas, allowing for auspicious activities such as weddings, hair-cutting ceremonies, engagements, and housewarmings to commence. Makar Sankranti also marks the Sun's movement from the southern to the northern hemisphere. According to the Hindu calendar, this year's Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 15 (Sunday). Religious beliefs suggest that Makar Sankranti is a favored festival of the Sun God, and worship on this day is thought to bring knowledge, wisdom, fame, respect, and financial prosperity. Astrologically, the Sun is considered the commander of all planets, and its worship is believed to mitigate negative influences from other celestial bodies.