There was widespread confusion across Uttar Pradesh regarding the bank holiday on Makar Sankranti 2026, with people unsure whether banks and government offices would remain closed on January 14 or January 15. The uncertainty has now been officially resolved. The Uttar Pradesh government has declared Thursday, January 15, 2026, as a public holiday, putting an end to all speculation.

With this announcement, all government offices, schools, colleges, and banks across Uttar Pradesh will remain closed on January 15. The decision marks a significant change from the earlier holiday calendar, where January 14 was listed for Makar Sankranti.

According to an official release issued by Chief Secretary SVS Ranga Rao, the state government has amended its previously released holiday list. Earlier, January 14, 2026, was marked as a “Restricted Holiday” for Makar Sankranti. However, after reviewing astrological calculations and public sentiment, the government decided to revise the date.

Under the revised order, January 15, 2026, has been declared a “Public Holiday” under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This means banking services, cheque clearances, and other official operations will remain suspended on that day across the state.

The government also clarified that the holiday list issued on November 17, 2025, should now be considered amended in accordance with this latest notification.

The primary reason behind the shift lies in astrological calculations related to the Sun’s transit. Makar Sankranti marks the day when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makara Rashi) from Sagittarius, beginning the auspicious phase known as Uttarayan.

This year, astrologers noted that the Sun will enter Capricorn during nighttime. According to traditional scriptures such as “Sindhu Nirnay”, when a Sankranti occurs at night, the festival and the associated auspicious period (Punya Kaal) are observed the following day.

Based on this principle, religious scholars and astrologers widely agreed that January 15, 2026, holds the true spiritual significance of Makar Sankranti, making it the appropriate day for rituals, charity, and celebrations.

Makar Sankranti is one of the most sacred festivals in Hindu tradition. With the Sun’s northward journey beginning on this day, it is considered a symbol of positivity, renewal, and new beginnings. The festival is associated with health, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.

On this auspicious occasion, charity and donations hold special importance. Items commonly donated include:

• Khichdi

• Jaggery laddoos

• Black gram (urad dal)

• Rice

• Sesame seeds and oil

According to references from the Vishnu Purana, donating rice on Makar Sankranti brings great spiritual merit and helps eliminate planetary and karmic doshas. Donations of sesame and oil are believed to promote good health and longevity.

Makar Sankranti is especially auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu, who is believed to be highly pleased during Uttarayan. Devotees are advised to use yellow-coloured offerings, as yellow is considered dear to Lord Vishnu.

Recommended rituals include:

• Offering yellow clothes, flowers, and fruits

• Chanting Vishnu mantras

• Performing japa, tapa, and tarpan

• Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers

It is believed that these rituals bring mental peace, physical well-being, and divine blessings. Bathing in holy rivers on this day is said to purify the soul and grant freedom from past sins.

With January 15, 2026, officially declared a public holiday, residents of Uttar Pradesh can plan their travel, banking work, and religious observances accordingly. Banks will remain closed, so customers are advised to complete urgent financial transactions in advance or use digital banking services.

The confusion over the Makar Sankranti bank holiday has now been completely resolved. January 15, 2026, will be the official public holiday in Uttar Pradesh, aligning administrative decisions with astrological traditions and public belief. The move ensures that people can observe the festival on its most auspicious day without any uncertainty.

As Makar Sankranti ushers in the sacred phase of Uttarayan, the festival continues to stand as a reminder of faith, charity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.