Overview
- Drik Panchang confirms the festival for Wednesday, January 14, with the Sankranti moment around 3:13–3:15 pm IST and defined Punya Kaal and Maha Punya Kaal in the late afternoon.
- Reports note slight discrepancies on the exact minute, with some listings near 3:08 pm, but all advise performing key rituals within the specified auspicious windows.
- The concurrence with Shattila Ekadashi elevates the day’s significance, with guidance emphasizing fasting discipline and charity, including avoiding rice intake while allowing rice-based khichdi as donation.
- Widespread practices highlighted include holy dips at major ghats, sunrise offerings to the Sun, and giving sesame, jaggery, warm clothing, blankets, and grains.
- Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain has scheduled a Til Utsav featuring a 4 am Bhasma Aarti, sesame ablutions of Lord Mahakal, and offerings such as til laddoos.