When the Sun moves from Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi) into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), the festival of Makar Sankranti is observed. In the year 2026, the Sun will enter Capricorn on 14 January at 15:08, therefore Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
On Makar Sankranti, sesame seeds (both black and white) are donated to receive the blessings of Lord Shani, and jaggery (gur) is donated to obtain the grace of Lord Surya (the Sun God). On this auspicious day, there is also a tradition of donating 14 items.
According to the Agni Purana, once Sage Narada asked Lord Vishnu why he was stopped by gatekeepers whenever he went to meet a deity, and requested a remedy so that he would not be stopped. Lord Vishnu then advised him to donate 14 items on Makar Sankranti. Since then, it is believed that donating 14 items on this day is highly auspicious.
These 14 items may all be of the same kind or different. On Makar Sankranti, donating desi ghee filled in a copper vessel (lota) to a Brahmin brings the blessings of Lord Surya, resulting in fame, respect, good health, and prosperity.
Donating khichdi (made from rice and black urad dal) on this day invokes the blessings of Goddess Annapurna, leading to an increase in wealth and food abundance. However, since 14 January 2026 falls on Ekadashi, consumption of rice is prohibited. Therefore, khichdi donation and consumption will be done on 15 January 2026, the day of Surya Sankranti after sunrise.
After taking a holy bath on Makar Sankranti, one should offer water to the Sun while facing east, using a copper vessel filled with Ganga water or plain water, along with roli (vermilion), jaggery, and red flowers, while chanting “Om Suryaya Namah.”
Before donating the items, place them in a clean area. Then, take water in one hand and chant “Om Vishnave Namah” three times, followed by the mantra:
“Om Hreem Hreem Suryaya Sahasrakiranaya Manovanchhit Phalam Dehi Dehi Swaha”
Rotate the water over the donated items and release it onto the ground, and then proceed with the donation.
On Makar Sankranti, Tuladaan (donation equal to one’s body weight) is considered the most superior form of charity. In Tuladaan, one may donate food grains, fruits, or any other edible items equal to one’s weight.
