Rare Festival Combo This January: Makar Sankranti, Shattila Ekadashi and Khichdi Parv to Be Observed

New Delhi: This year's Makar Sankranti festival is shaping up to be unusual for many devotees. The solar festival and the Hindu fast of Shattila Ekadashi are both expected to fall on January 14, creating a rare overlap of two important traditions. Such a coincidence of Makar Sankranti with an Ekadashi is considered spiritually meaningful in many Hindu circles. 

Why Do Dates Matter for Rituals and Food?

Makar Sankranti marks the Sun's shift into Capricorn, signalling longer days and the start of the auspicious Uttarayan phase. Traditionally, people take holy baths, offer water to the Sun, and donate food and clothes. 

But this year’s Ekadashi, a lunar calendar fast day devoted to Lord Vishnu, brings a complication. On Ekadashi, eating rice is traditionally avoided, which directly affects the age-old practise of cooking khichdi. That's why many religious teachers advise observing the Khichdi Parv on January 15 instead. 

What Do Devotees Plan to Do?

Most temples and spiritual communities are preparing to mark both days carefully. On January 14, devotees are expected to focus on sankranti rituals and fasting for Ekadashi. On January 15, people will cook and share khichdi, a dish of rice and lentils that holds cultural and religious value for this time of year. 

Tradition Meets Practical Observance?

Local priests and astrologers say this split observance lets devotees honour both the solar festival and the lunar fast without breaking customary rules. Eating and donating khichdi a day later aligns with scriptures that discourage rice consumption on Ekadashi itself. 

Across the Country, A Shared Spirit?

Makar Sankranti traditions vary across the country. In many regions, the day is linked with harvest celebrations, kite flying, and community feasts. Although the calendar clash is unusual, the underlying spirit of gratitude, charity and renewal remains the same.