The festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated this year under a rare and highly auspicious planetary alignment. The sacred occasion will fall on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, when the Sun will transit into the Capricorn zodiac sign. This transition will also coincide with the holy observance of Shattila Ekadashi, making the day spiritually significant for devotees across the country.

According to astrologers, this special combination enhances the religious importance of the day. Worship, fasting, and charity performed during this period are believed to yield greater spiritual benefits. The date had earlier caused some confusion among devotees. However, experts have now clarified the correct timing for rituals, fasting, and donations related to Makar Sankranti.

January 14 Considered Best for Sankranti Worship and Fasting

Clearing the confusion surrounding the date, astrologer Vibhor Indusuta stated that Sankranti worship and vrat observance will be most auspicious on January 14. He explained that although charity is an essential part of the festival, the timing of donations must align with religious scriptures.

He added that while Sankranti rituals should be performed on January 14, the traditional khichdi donation will be considered scripturally appropriate on January 15. This distinction is important due to the presence of Ekadashi on January 14, which affects food-related customs.

Special Punya Kaal From 3:07 PM

Astrological calculations suggest that January 14 will feature a special punya kaal beginning at 3:07 PM. This auspicious period will continue until 5:41 PM. Religious activities performed during this window are believed to bring enhanced merit.

During this time, Sun worship holds special importance. Devotees are advised to offer prayers to the Sun God and perform acts of charity involving sesame seeds and jaggery. Worship of Lord Vishnu during this period is also considered highly beneficial. These rituals are believed to bring prosperity, good health, and spiritual growth.

Formation of Sarvartha Siddhi and Amrit Siddhi Yog

Astrologer Ruchi Kapoor noted that January 14 will also witness the formation of Sarvartha Siddhi Yog and Amrit Siddhi Yog. These yogas are regarded as extremely auspicious in Hindu astrology. Any positive activity initiated during these yogas is believed to yield successful outcomes.

She further explained that Kharmas will conclude on this day. With the end of Kharmas, all auspicious activities such as marriages, housewarming ceremonies, and new business ventures can resume. This adds further importance to the festival of Makar Sankranti this year.

Rice and Khichdi Restricted on January 14

Due to the observance of Ekadashi, consumption and donation of rice and khichdi will remain restricted on January 14. Rahul Agrawal, President of Prerna Astrology Research, explained that Ekadashi tithi will remain effective until 5:53 PM on January 14.

After this time, Dwadashi tithi will begin. Devotees who wish to perform donations after sunset may do so cautiously. However, he emphasized that offering khichdi donation on the morning of January 15 will be the most appropriate and religiously accepted practice.

Astrology researcher Amit Gupta also supported this view. He advised devotees to strictly avoid rice-based food and donations on Ekadashi to maintain the sanctity of the vrat.

Significance of Uttarayan on Makar Sankranti

From an astrological perspective, the Sun remains in one zodiac sign for approximately one month. Over the course of a year, it completes its journey through all twelve zodiac signs. Each transition of the Sun from one sign to another is known as Sankranti.

Although there are twelve Sankrantis in a year, Makar Sankranti holds the greatest religious and cultural importance. On this day, the Sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn. This transition marks the beginning of Uttarayan, a period considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition.

With the start of Uttarayan, the duration of daylight gradually increases. This change symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The period is believed to be favorable for spiritual practices, charity, and self-discipline.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance of the Festival

Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India in various regional forms. Despite differences in customs, the core essence of the festival remains the same. It emphasizes gratitude towards nature, agricultural prosperity, and spiritual purification.

Charity, especially involving sesame seeds, jaggery, and warm clothing, is a central practice. These items are believed to provide warmth during winter and promote harmony in relationships. The festival also encourages people to let go of negativity and embrace positivity with the Sun’s northward journey.

This year’s rare planetary alignment makes Makar Sankranti 2026 especially meaningful. Devotees are encouraged to follow proper timings and rituals to fully benefit from the auspicious combinations formed on this sacred day.