Why is Khichdi eaten on Makar Sankranti? Know its religious significance

From a religious point Makar Sankranti is the day when the Sun moves into the Capricorn (Makar) zodiac sign.  This change is seen as very lucky in Hindu tradition. People say that donating food on this day may bring blessings in your life.  

What happens on the day of Makar Sankranti: 

Makar Sankranti is an important festival in the Hindu religion, also known as 'Khichdi'. Surya Dev (Sun God) is worshipped on this day. On this day, preparing khichdi, eating food, and donating are of special importance. It is believed that eating khichdi brings auspicious effects of planets and pleases Shani Dev.

Here are the key things to know: 

This year, the festival will be celebrated on January 14. It is also known as' corker. " On this day, food is prepared at home, and devotees offer prayers to the deity. Also, it is donated. But have you ever wondered why Khichdi is so important on such a big festival (Makar Sankranti 2026)? 

About the mythological story behind it and its importance: 

It is said that the tradition of eating khichdi on Makar Sankrantiwas started by Baba Gorakhnath. According to the legend, many brave warriors and yogis of India were also involved in the battle at the time of Khilji's invasion. There was a war-like situation all around. They then had no time to prepare food and were often left hungry, which reduced their energy. 

Seeing their strength diminish, Baba Gorakhnath advised them to cook dal, rice and vegetables together. This dish was extremely easy to prepare, delicious and instantly energising. Baba Gorakhnath named this dish 'Khichdi'. Since then, the tradition of making and eating khichdi on the day of Makar Sankranti began. Even today a grand fair of Khichdi is held on Makar Sankranti in the famous Gorakhnath temple of Gorakhpur. 

On which date of January 2026, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated: 

This year, the festival will be celebrated on January 14. The festival of Makar Sankranti holds special significance for Hindus. According to the Varanasi calendar, the sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign at 9:19 pm on the 14th. 

Renowned karma Kandi Amarendra Kumar Shastri and astrologer Pandit Narottam Dwivedi jointly said that according to the scriptures, the time up to 16 hours after the sun enters the Capricorn sign is the virtuous period. Therefore, the festival of Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday, the 15th day.  Makar Sankranti is considered one of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Surya and charity. 

It is also known as' corker. " On this day, food is prepared at home and offered to God. Also, it is donated. But have you ever wondered why Khichdi is so important on such a big festival (Makar Sankranti 2026)? So let's know about the mythological story behind it and its importance. 

Benefits of the Makar Sankranti khichdi tradition:

The tradition of making khichdi on Makar Sankranti is associated with many religious, cultural and scientific reasons. Khichdi is believed to be associated with Surya and Shani Grih. It is believed that eating jaggery on this day brings prosperity and happiness to the house. Khichdi is made up of pulses, rice and vegetables, which is a balanced and nutritious diet. In winter, the body is considered to be a warm and energy-giving food. Til-jaggery is consumed with khichdi, which is beneficial for digestion and health. Donating khichdi on Makar Sankranti is considered very auspicious. Ganga Snan and Khichdi Daan are also mentioned in ancient texts.  

It is believed that by eating khichdi on Makar Sankranti, the auspicious effects of the planets fall on our body and life. On Makar Sankranti, the sun goes to the house of his son Shani, so a khichdi of urad dal is made to please Shani Dev on this day. It is considered a symbol of good luck. 

Makar Sankranti Khichdi Tradition Significance: 

It is not only important to eat khichdi on this day, but donating raw khichdi is also considered to be Mahadan. It is believed that by donating khichdi on this auspicious festival, the stores of food and money in the house are never empty. 

On this day, devotees can perform all the rituals like bathing, donation, etc. at the right time. According to Hindu mythology, on the day of Makar Sankranti, Lord Surya visits his son Lord Shani. At that time, Lord Shani represented Capricorn. 

According to the meaning of the verse, in the month of Magha (the time of January-February according to the Hindu calendar), the person who donates ghee and blankets to Lord Mahadev enjoys all kinds of material pleasures in this world and finally attains salvation. This verse describes the glory of charity in the month of Magha. According to the scriptures, charity, penance and meditation have special significance in this month. Special rituals like puja, darshan, puja, puja, etc., are performed on this day.

It is believed that the donation given on this occasion is recovered a hundred times. Donation of pure ghee and blankets on this day brings salvation

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