Jaipur. The first major festival of the new English year 2026, Makar Sankranti, will be celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm on January 14th. On this day, the Sun God will move from Dakshinayana (southern hemisphere) to Uttarayana (northern hemisphere). On January 14th, at approximately 3:15 PM, the Sun will enter Capricorn from Sagittarius. With this, the festival of Makar Sankranti will begin.
The auspicious period for performing good deeds will be from 3:13 PM to 5:45 PM, lasting 2 hours and 32 minutes. The most auspicious period (Maha Punya Kaal) will be from 3:13 PM to 4:58 PM, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. Religious scriptures emphasize the special importance of bathing, charity, and penance during this time. This year, the vehicle of Sankranti is a tiger. The Sankranti goddess is adorned in yellow garments, holds a silver vessel in her hand, and is moving towards the west.
According to astrologer Dr. Mahendra Mishra, Makar Sankranti holds special significance from a religious and cultural perspective. On this day, the Sun God enters the house of his son, Shani Dev (Saturn). Shani is the lord of Capricorn and Aquarius, therefore this festival is considered a symbol of the unique reunion of father and son.
Rice can be donated even on Ekadashi, but consumption should be avoided: This year, a special conjunction is forming on Makar Sankranti, the greatest festival of charity. Since Makar Sankranti falls on the same day as Shat Tila Ekadashi on January 14th, there is confusion among people about whether or not to donate rice and khichdi (a rice and lentil dish) due to the Ekadashi observance.
Scholars have clarified that the rules of Ekadashi do not hinder those giving donations; only self-consumption should be avoided. The consumption and donation of rice and lentil khichdi hold special significance on Makar Sankranti. In many regions, it is celebrated as the ‘Khichdi festival’. Astrologer Pandit Dinesh Sharma explained that this year, the occurrence of Shatila Ekadashi on Makar Sankranti makes the festival even more auspicious. On this day, both sesame seeds and rice will be offered to God and donated. Donating rice and lentils on Makar Sankranti is completely in accordance with the scriptures. The scriptures do not prohibit donations on Ekadashi. He gave the example that even during Pitru Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to ancestors), donating rice on Ekadashi is not considered forbidden.
Donations and their benefits:
Sesame seeds: Considered a symbol of Lord Shani. Donating sesame seeds removes the ill effects of Shani.
Blanket: Donating a blanket protects against the negative effects of Rahu.
Jaggery: A favorite of Jupiter. Donating jaggery removes the ill effects of Saturn, Jupiter, and the Sun.
Khichdi: Donating khichdi is considered extremely auspicious. The urad dal used in it is associated with Lord Shani.
Rice: It is called an imperishable grain; donating it leads to an increase in food and wealth.
Salt and clothes: Donating these destroys negative energy and brings merit.
Ghee: Donating ghee brings career benefits and happiness and prosperity in life.
Animal fodder: Feeding fodder to cows brings happiness and prosperity to the home.
Effects on Zodiac Signs:
Aries: The Sun strengthening the financial aspect will create opportunities for financial gain.
Taurus: The Sun’s entry into the house of fortune will bring auspicious events and wealth.
Gemini: Mixed results will be obtained, travel opportunities will arise, and expenses may increase.
Cancer: The Sun in the seventh house will lead to business growth and increased social prestige.
Leo: Indications of income or wealth coming from various sources are present.
Virgo: Along with increased prestige, there are chances of promotion in the job.
Libra: The Sun will provide auspicious results; it will be necessary to control your speech.
Scorpio: Success will be achieved, abilities will increase, and the initiation of new projects is possible.
Sagittarius: The Sun’s arrival in the second house will bring prosperity.
Capricorn: With the Sun’s entry into the zodiac sign, it will be necessary to control anger.
Aquarius: Expenses will exceed income; you need to be cautious of strangers.
Pisces: There will be an influx of money, and opportunities for profit will arise from various sources.
