New Delhi: Makar Sankranti 2026 falls on January 14, a Wednesday, giving working professionals an opportunity to build a long, uninterrupted break with smart leave planning. Since the festival is an optional holiday in many regions, checking the official holiday list for your workplace becomes the first step. A mid-week festival date makes it easier to stretch the time off by combining a few planned leave days on either side. The festive period often sees high demand for travel and accommodation.

Planning around short travel times, keeping itineraries flexible and choosing destinations that offer both relaxation and local experiences can make the extended holiday more enjoyable. For many travellers, Makar Sankranti becomes a chance to unwind, explore new cultures and take a much-needed pause before the year’s workload picks up. Here are a few simple strategies to turn the festival week into a refreshing nine-day holiday.

Smart leave planning ideas

1. Check 2026 calendar

Makar Sankranti falls on a Wednesday, creating a natural mid-week anchor for building an extended break. Confirm the holiday status in your region.

2. Use leave days strategically

Taking leave on Thursday, Friday, and the following Monday and Tuesday can turn the festival week into a nine-day holiday stretching from Saturday to the next Sunday.

3. Book early for better prices

Flights, hotels and popular destinations fill up quickly in January. Booking two to three months ahead helps secure availability and reduces costs.

4. Choose destinations within short travel time

Picking locations within four to six hours of travel maximises holiday time and reduces fatigue during a packed festive period.

How to enjoy an extended break

1. Digital detox in nature retreats

Choose quiet stays in places like Coorg, Munnar, Almora or Wayanad to switch off from screens and enjoy calm landscapes, forest walks and slow mornings.

2. Explore local culture and festivals

Visit destinations that celebrate regional traditions in January, such as kite festivals or Uttarayan in Gujarat and Rajasthan, coffee harvest trails in Karnataka or Pongal in Tamil Nadu, the Maghi festival in Punjab, Magh Bihu in Assam with bonfire, and Poush Sankranti in West Bengal, to add cultural depth to the holiday.

3. Plan short adventure experiences

Try easy, accessible activities like paragliding in Bir, trekking in Himachal, desert safaris in Jaisalmer, backwater cruises in Kerala or cycling tours around Goa for a fun group getaway.

4. Pick food-focused mini-trips

Explore India’s culinary hubs, such as Hyderabad for biryani trails, Amritsar for street food, Bengaluru for cafes, or Kolkata for sweets, to turn the extended break into a relaxed food journey.

With early planning and a few smart leave choices, Makar Sankranti 2026 can easily become a relaxed, well-balanced nine-day holiday.