Makar Sankranti 2026 Falls on Ekadashi: January 14 or 15? Check Correct Date, Muhurat & Time For Khichdi

Devotees across India are facing confusion ahead of Makar Sankranti 2026, as the festival coincides with Ekadashi, raising doubts about whether rice and khichdi can be eaten or donated on the same day. Traditionally, Ekadashi fasting involves avoiding rice and grains, which clashes with Makar Sankranti customs that prominently include khichdi, rice donation (daan), and community feasts.

Makar Sankranti on January 14 or 15? Check Correct Date And Ekadashi in January

Every year, questions arise over whether Makar Sankranti should be celebrated on January 14 or January 15, but this year the overlap with Shattila Ekadashi has intensified the uncertainty for many households.

According to the Panchang, January 14 is technically Makar Sankranti, as the Sun enters Capricorn on that day. However, due to the presence of Shattila Ekadashi, many families prefer to observe food-related rituals on January 15, after completing the Ekadashi fast.

However, Hindu traditions often give importance to the udya tithi-the date prevailing at sunrise-especially for rituals like holy snan (bath) and charity. Since sunrise on January 15 falls within the auspicious period of Sankranti, many astrologers suggest that observing the main rituals on January 15 is more spiritually appropriate.

Makar Sankranti 2026 Date, Timings, Tithi, Punya Kaal and Shubh Muhurat According To Hindu Calendar & Drik Panchang

As per the Hindu Calendar and Drik Panchang, the key timings for Makar Sankranti 2026 are:

Makar Sankranti Muhurat: January 14 at 3:13-3:16 PM

Maha Punya Kaal: January 14 from 3:13 PM to 4:58 PM

Punya Kaal: January 14 from 3:13 PM to 5:46 PM

Importantly, the Punya Kaal extends into the morning of January 15, which is why many religious scholars recommend performing snan and daan on Thursday, January 15.

Ekadashi and Makar Sankranti on the Same Day: What Does It Mean To Consume Khichdi?

On January 14, the Ekadashi tithi coincides with the Sankranti moment in the afternoon. Ekadashi fasting traditionally prohibits consumption of rice and grains, which directly affects Makar Sankranti food customs.

On January 15, the tithi moves into Dwadashi, meaning Ekadashi restrictions end. This shift plays a crucial role in deciding when rice-based food like khichdi can be cooked, offered, or consumed.

Can Rice or Khichdi Be Eaten on Makar Sankranti 2026?

Astrologers and religious scholars suggest two clear paths:

If Makar Sankranti Will Be celebrating on January 14:

Devotees may observe Sankranti within the Punya Kaal starting at 3:16 PM, but Ekadashi rules apply. Rice, khichdi, and grain-based bhog should be avoided. Those fasting should stick to phalahar (fruits, milk, nuts) and complete the vrat properly.

If Makar Sankranti Will Be Celebrating on January 15:

This is considered more convenient for many households. With Ekadashi over and Dwadashi in effect, cooking and eating rice is allowed and auspicious. Khichdi can be prepared, offered as prasad, and shared with family or donated.

Khichdi on Makar Sankranti: Why It Is Considered Auspicious?

Makar Sankranti is regarded in Sanatan Dharma as one of the most powerful days for charity. Traditional donations include:

Rice, lentils, Sesame seeds (til), jaggery, Khichdi, gajak, groundnuts, Clothes, blankets, shawls, Utensils and money

Devotees believe that charity performed during Sankranti yields multiplied punya (spiritual merit) and long-term blessings.

As a result, both dates hold significance in different traditions-January 14 for astrological Sankranti timing, and January 15 for practical observance of snan, daan, and khichdi rituals without Ekadashi restrictions.