Makar Sankranti 2026: Sun Enters Capricorn, Ends Kharmas on Jan 14 at 3:13 PM IST
Kharmas Ends Jan 14: 7 Auspicious Activities to Start

The long spiritual retreat of Kharmas, a period considered inauspicious for new beginnings, is set to conclude. The cosmic gates are finally swinging open, ushering in a wave of fresh, positive energy. This significant shift occurs as the Sun moves out of Sagittarius, the final sign of the zodiac cycle, and enters the ambitious and disciplined sign of Capricorn.

The Great Transition: Sun in Capricorn Marks a New Cycle

This pivotal astrological transition, celebrated as Makar Sankranti, takes place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. It precisely marks the end of the Karmic Cycle for 2026. According to Vedic astrology, Kharmas is the period when the Sun transits through the zodiac of Jupiter, causing its light to be less potent. During this time, major life celebrations like weddings and housewarming ceremonies are traditionally postponed.

However, the wait ends at 3:13 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on that day. The "Sun in Capricorn 2026" transit effectively breaks the spell of Kharmas, initiating the auspicious Uttarayan period when the Sun begins its northward journey. This solar rebirth is the moment millions have been anticipating to embark on new ventures and renew their lives.

Seven Prosperous Activities to Embrace After Kharmas

With the celestial barriers removed, here are seven highly recommended activities to perform during Uttarayan to harness the supportive cosmic energies for growth and prosperity.

1. Finalise Your Wedding Preparations

The most common query during Kharmas—"When can we get married?"—finds its answer. The Kharmas 2026 end date of January 14 spiritually lifts the prohibition on planning. However, 2026 brings a specific twist: Venus (Shukra Tara) remains in conjunction (Asta) throughout January. Therefore, the absolute peak season for Shubh Vivah Muhurat in 2026 officially begins on February 5, 2026.

The period immediately after January 14 is ideal for concluding all preparatory work. You can now freely book venues, finalise guest lists, and print invitations, moving forward with the full backing of the cosmos, free from the "shadow" of Kharmas.

2. Launch a Business or Career Move

Have you been sitting on a brilliant business idea or contemplating a career shift? While Kharmas signifies low vitality for new starts, the Sun in Capricorn brings a period of structure, authority, and long-term vision. January 14 is an excellent day to take concrete action—register a company, sign a new employment contract, or launch a website. The grounded energy of Capricorn ensures that initiatives started now have the stability to endure for years.

3. Perform a Griha Pravesh (Housewarming)

If you've purchased a new home but delayed moving in, you can plan your Griha Pravesh after January 14 without astrological concerns. While many may prefer dates in February, the 15th and 16th of January 2026 are also supported by strong Nakshatras for such transitions. Moving into a new home during Uttarayan is believed to bless the family with unending prosperity and stability in their new abode.

4. Conduct Namkaran or Mundan Ceremonies

For families with newborns, the sacred rites of Namkaran (naming) and Mundan (first haircut) are avoided during Kharmas. The logic is clear: a strong Sun provides the best possible auspicious energy for a child's first major life events. With the start of the "Day of the Gods" on January 14, this becomes a purified and highly recommended time to perform these important rituals.

5. Make Strategic Financial Investments

Capricorn, symbolized by the steady mountain climber, favors gradual, sustained growth over quick wins. The end of Kharmas clears the financial "fog," offering clarity in personal market decisions. This is an opportune time to make significant investments—be it purchasing gold, committing to long-term stock portfolios, or closing a property deal. The Solar Rebirth helps you assess the true value of assets, free from the distorted perceptions of the past month.

6. Begin a New Health or Fitness Regime

The Sun represents our Prana, or vital life force, which often dips during Kharmas. Capricorn's key trait is discipline, making the body perfectly receptive to a renewal as the Sun enters this sign. Starting a yoga practice or adopting a new diet during the Maha Punya Kaal (3:13 PM to 4:58 PM IST on January 14) is said to synchronize your cells with the year's progressively increasing solar energy, setting a powerful foundation for well-being.

7. Commit to a Sankalpa (Sacred Vow)

Given that 2026 is a Universal Year 1, the day following Kharmas becomes a top-tier "Manifestation Portal." Whether it's a vow to quit a bad habit or a dedication to a new creative project, a Sankalpa made during the transition into Uttarayan receives divine support. Consider this your spiritual New Year's resolution—one that carries the weight of celestial alignment and has the potential to truly endure.

A Time for Renewed Purpose

The end of Kharmas and the Sun's ingress into Capricorn is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a collective reset button. It provides a structured, ambitious, and grounded energy to build upon. By aligning your actions with this auspicious shift, you tap into a cosmic current designed for lasting success and prosperity in the new solar year.

Astrological insights courtesy of Acharya Neeraj Dhankher, a Vedic Astrologer with over 29 years of experience and Founder of Astro Zindagi.