Celebrating the Sacred Conjunction of Makar Sankranti and Shat-Tila Ekadashi
12 JAN, 2026
On 14 January 2026, a rare and auspicious conjunction will take place as Shat-tila Ekadashi and Makar Sankranti fall on the same day. In the Vedic tradition, auspicious times are not merely dates on a calendar; they offer us a chance to receive the Lord’s mercy and come closer to Him.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s sacred transition into Makara Rashi (Capricorn) and the beginning of Uttarayana, the northward journey of the Sun. As described in the scriptures, Uttarayana is regarded as a highly auspicious period, during which the soul leaving the body attains higher destinations.
Makar Sankranti in Sacred History
This sanctity is exemplified by great historical events, most notably when Bhishma dev chose this sacred time to leave his body while meditating upon the beautiful form of Lord Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This day also commemorates the divine descent of Mother Ganga upon the earth, following the penances of King Bhagiratha, making Makar Sankranti a day deeply revered in Vedic history.
On this auspicious occasion, ISKCON Bhiwandi is offering opportunities for service through Annadaan, by distributing sanctified meals, Vidyadaan, by sharing the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, and Sevadaan, by sponsoring daily Aarti, Abhishek, and Bhoga. Such devotional offerings bestow spiritual merit and please the Supreme Lord. Kindly offer your generous contribution and receive the boundless mercy of Lord Vishnu. Please visit: https://www.iskconbhiwandi.org/sankranti
Shat-tila Ekadashi: A Sacred Vrata
On the same sacred day is Shat-tila Ekadashi, observed during the Krishna Paksha of the month of Magh (January–February), a vrata celebrated by Vaishnavas for its potency in purifying the heart of sinful reactions and drawing the soul toward Krishna consciousness.
The name Shat-tila signifies the sacred use of til (sesame seeds) in charity and offerings on this day. Devotees observe the Ekadashi by fasting, avoiding grains, legumes, and pulses, while engaging in prayer and chanting, and charity offered with devotion is especially dear to the Lord.
The Sacred Conjunction
When Makar Sankranti and Shat-tila Ekadashi coincide, the blessings of the day become multifold, offering both spiritual upliftment and inner purification. Devotees are encouraged to spend the day in chanting the holy names and receiving the mercy of Lord Krishna, observing Ekadashi vrata with humility, and engaging in seva and charity.
When to Observe the Fast
The Shat-tila Ekadashi fast this year falls on 14th January 2026, to be broken on 15th January, between 07:15 am and 10:57 am in Mumbai.
May this blessed day inspire all devotees to deepen their devotion, share Krishna’s mercy with others, and awaken a steady longing for devotion in every heart.