Gold prices steady ahead of Makar Sankranti 2026, slight uptick in major cities

As India gears up to celebrate Makar Sankranti on January 14, 2026, gold prices remained steady on January 13, reflecting a typical pre-festival demand surge in the precious metals market. The spot rates indicate strong buying interest and a generally upward trend in the first half of January.

On Monday, the latest available data shows 24-carat gold trading at around ₹1,40,450 per 10 grams, which translates to approximately ₹14,045 per gram. Meanwhile, 22-carat gold was quoted at ₹1,28,650 per 10 grams, or roughly ₹12,865 per gram.

City-wise, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore reported similar rates, with 24K gold at about ₹14,253 per gram and 22K gold at ₹13,065 per gram. Chennai recorded slightly higher prices, with 24K at ₹14,368 per gram and 22K at ₹13,170 per gram. Delhi’s rates were closely aligned with other major markets, with 24K gold at ₹14,268 per gram and 22K at ₹13,080 per gram.

Analysts note that these figures are reflective of spot market rates, which can fluctuate throughout the day. Prices at local jewelers may vary depending on making charges, taxes, and city-specific demand.

In the lead-up to Makar Sankranti, gold in India has experienced moderate upward momentum. Both domestic and international markets have seen strong demand, with global bullion prices hovering near record levels. The festival season often brings heightened interest in gold purchases, as consumers buy for both investment and traditional gifting purposes, especially in regions where Makar Sankranti celebrations include buying new gold and jewelry.

Market watchers advise buyers to keep an eye on day-to-day fluctuations. While January 13 prices provide a snapshot of the market ahead of the festival, the actual rates on Sankranti day (January 14) may differ slightly due to ongoing trading in domestic and international markets.

Despite the high prices, demand is expected to remain robust, driven by cultural significance, wedding season purchases, and long-term investment considerations. Traders anticipate that jewelry shops across India will likely experience a rush in the coming days, keeping gold firmly in focus as one of the most preferred festival purchases.

For consumers planning to buy, monitoring daily spot rates and factoring in local making charges and taxes is recommended to make informed purchasing decisions.