With Makar Sankranti 2026 approaching, many households across India are scratching their heads over one simple question: Is the festival on January 14 or January 15 this year? The confusion is sharper than usual because Sankranti is coinciding with Ekadashi, a fasting day when rice and grains are traditionally avoided—exactly the opposite of Sankranti customs that revolve around khichdi, rice daan, and community meals.
So, what’s the correct date, and when is it safe to cook or donate khichdi? Here’s a clear, no-frills breakdown.
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Makar Sankranti 2026: January 14 or January 15?
Astronomically, Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara). In 2026, this transition happens on January 14 in the afternoon, making it the official Sankranti date as per calculations.
However, Shattila Ekadashi also falls on January 14. Since Ekadashi fasting strictly avoids rice and grains, many families prefer shifting the food-related rituals to the next day.
That’s where udya tithi (the tithi prevailing at sunrise) comes in. Because January 15 sunrise falls within the auspicious Sankranti period, several astrologers recommend January 15 for practical observance—especially for snan (holy bath), daan, and khichdi rituals.
Makar Sankranti 2026: Date, Muhurat, Punya Kaal
According to the Hindu calendar and Drik Panchang, these are the key timings to note:
- Makar Sankranti Moment: January 14, 3:13 PM to 3:16 PM
- Maha Punya Kaal: January 14, 3:13 PM to 4:58 PM
- Punya Kaal: January 14, 3:13 PM to 5:46 PM
Importantly, the Punya Kaal extends into the morning of January 15, which is why many priests suggest performing snan and daan on Thursday, January 15, without Ekadashi-related restrictions.
Ekadashi and Sankranti Clash: What It Means for Food Rituals
On January 14, Ekadashi tithi is active when Sankranti occurs in the afternoon. That means:
- Rice and grain-based food is not recommended
- Khichdi should not be cooked or consumed
- Those observing vrat should stick to phalahar like fruits, milk, and nuts
By January 15, the tithi shifts to Dwadashi, officially ending Ekadashi fasting rules.
Can You Eat or Donate Khichdi on Makar Sankranti 2026?
Religious scholars broadly suggest two clear options:
If you observe Sankranti on January 14:
Focus on snan and charity during Punya Kaal, but avoid rice and khichdi due to Ekadashi. Keep the vrat intact.
If you observe Sankranti on January 15:
This is the more popular and convenient choice. With Ekadashi over, rice, khichdi, and grain daan are allowed and considered auspicious. Families can cook, offer prasad, and donate freely.
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Why Khichdi Is Central to Makar Sankranti
In Sanatan tradition, Makar Sankranti is seen as one of the most powerful days for charity. Common donations include:
- Rice and lentils
- Til (sesame seeds) and jaggery
- Khichdi, gajak, groundnuts
- Clothes, blankets, utensils, and money
The belief is simple: daan performed on Sankranti multiplies punya and brings long-term blessings.
The Bottom Line
Both dates matter, just in different ways. January 14 holds astrological importance due to the Sun’s transition, while January 15 works better for most families who want to follow traditions without Ekadashi restrictions.
If khichdi, rice daan, and shared meals are central to your celebration, January 15, 2026, is the safer and more widely accepted choice.
