UP Government Announces Public Holiday In Uttar Pradesh For Makar Sankranti: Is It January 14 Or January 15?

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced that January 15, 2026, will be a public holiday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The decision was made official through a government notification and will apply to all state government offices, schools, and public-sector organizations.

Earlier, there was confusion about whether the festival would be celebrated on January 14 or 15, but the new order has now confirmed the date. With this announcement, schools, banks, and government offices across the state will remain closed on January 15.

From Restricted Holiday To Full Public Holiday

In previous years, Makar Sankranti was considered a restricted holiday in Uttar Pradesh, meaning employees could choose to take the day off. Now, it has been upgraded to a public holiday, ensuring a complete day of rest for government workers, students, and bank employees.

Government departments such as the Secretariat, Collectorate, and educational institutions will stay shut, giving everyone a chance to celebrate the festival with their families

Large Gatherings Expected at Holy River Ghats

As part of the celebration, large numbers of devotees are expected to visit the Ganga Ghats in major cities like Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur, Meerut, Unnao, and Bijnor. People will take a holy dip in rivers like the Ganga and Saryu and offer donations and prayers.
Similar crowds are also expected in Rishikesh and Haridwar, where people come to bathe in the sacred waters and seek blessings.

The Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is an important Hindu festival that marks the Sun's movement into the Capricorn (Makar) zodiac sign. This transition, known as Uttarayan, signals the start of longer and brighter days. The festival also marks the end of Kharmas, after which auspicious activities like weddings and new ventures begin.

People celebrate by bathing in holy rivers, performing pujas, giving charity, and eating sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) dishes, which symbolize purity and good health.

Different Names, Same Celebration Across India

While the festival is called Makar Sankranti in North India, it has different names in other states. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal; in Punjab, as Lohri; and in Assam, as Magh Bihu.

Though the names vary, the message remains the same - honoring the Sun God, thanking nature, and spreading harmony and joy among people.