Puri, Jan 13: The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha in Puri Jagannath temple clarified that there is no confusion regarding the observance of Makar Sankranti this year and has urged devotees to celebrate the festival on January 14, in line with rituals at the 12-th century shrine.

According to the Sabha, Makar Sankranti will be observed at Jagannath temple on January 14, and people across Odisha are advised to follow the same date.

Sun’s Transit Determines Festival Date
The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha stated that the Sun will transit into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara Rashi) at 11:37 pm on January 14. As per temple tradition and the Siddhanta Darpan system of calculation, the festival is to be observed on the same calendar day.

Based on this calculation, the Sabha said devotees should observe Makar Sankranti rituals from sunrise on January 14.

Support From Other Almanacs
The Sabha added that several other traditional almanacs have also supported the decision to observe Makar Sankranti on January 14, reinforcing the consensus on the festival date.

Auspicious Period Explained
Astrologer Harishankar Mishra explained that the Sun enters Capricorn after 3 pm, making the period from that time until sunset the punya kaal or auspicious window.

“During this period, people may perform rituals such as homa, yajna and other auspicious ceremonies,” Mishra said.

However, he clarified that under traditional calculations, since the Sun enters Capricorn late at night, no auspicious rituals are prescribed during night hours.

Rituals From Sunrise to Sunset
Astrologers confirmed that the auspicious period for religious observances remains valid from sunrise to sunset on January 14, and no ritual observances are recommended after nightfall.

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With the clarification issued by the Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha, it has been confirmed that Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on January 14 at the Jagannath Temple as well as across Odisha.