Shattila Ekadashi and Sankranti on the same day, a rare opportunity which you would not want to miss.

News India Live, Digital Desk: We all know that when Sun God enters Capricorn in mid-January, we celebrate Makar Sankranti with great enthusiasm. Flying kites, making sesame-jaggery laddus and bathing in holy rivers—all these are part of our culture. But the Sankranti of 2026 is different because ‘Shattila Ekadashi’ is also on the same day. According to astrology, such a coincidence last occurred in the year 2003.

Why is this day so important?
On normal days, Sun God is worshiped on Makar Sankranti and on Ekadashi we keep a fast of Lord Vishnu. But this year, these two dates falling together has made it the biggest day of the year to seek the blessings of “Hari” (Vishnu) and “Hara” (in reference to Shiva/Surya). The importance of donating increases manifold on this day.

What is the meaning of ‘Shattila’?
It is clear from the name itself – ‘Shat’ means six and ’til’. On this day, there is a rule to use sesame seeds in six different ways. This includes bathing with sesame seeds, applying sesame paste, performing havan with sesame seeds, offering sesame seeds, donating sesame seeds and consuming sesame seeds. It is believed that one who donates black sesame seeds on this day, poverty never comes to his house.

The problem of Khichdi and Ekadashi?
Often eating Khichdi (rice-dal) is considered mandatory on Sankranti, but rice is prohibited during Ekadashi fast. In such a situation, many people remain confused as to what to do? For those who are observing Ekadashi fast with full devotion, the scriptures say that they should give up rice and consume only fruit items made of sesame and jaggery on the occasion of Sankranti. You can directly donate rice and dal khichdi, but those observing fast should avoid eating rice.

What can you do?

• Add some sesame seeds to your bathing water in the morning.
• At the time of sunrise, put sesame seeds in a copper pot and offer water to the Sun God.
• For peace in the house, perform a small havan in which sesame seeds are offered.
• Donate black sesame seeds, blankets or woolen clothes to the needy as per your capacity.