file photoImage Credit source: PTI
Shattila Ekadashi Bath: According to the Panchang, this year in 2026, the fast of Shattila Ekadashi is being observed on 14 January. It is believed that by donating, bathing and fasting related to sesame seeds on this day, sins are destroyed and one attains salvation. On the auspicious occasion of Magh Mela, today on the day of Shattila Ekadashi, a wonderful sight of devotion and faith was seen. Despite the severe cold and cold wave, there was no decrease in the enthusiasm of the devotees. Even before the dawn, lakhs of devotees took a holy dip in the holy Triveni Sangam.
9.5 lakh devotees took bath till 6 am
Magh Mela administration is fully prepared. Rishi Raj, the officer who is monitoring the arrangements of the fair, said that a huge crowd of devotees is gathering on the holy festival of Ekadashi. He informed that till 6 am only about 9.5 lakh people had taken bath. There is a huge crowd of devotees at all the ghats of Sangam. Amidst strict arrangements for security and facilities, devotees are continuously taking a dip in the holy water and doing charity.
#WATCH Magh Mela officer Rishi Raj said, “Many people are taking bath even on the occasion of Ekadashi. Till 6 am, about 9.5 lakh people have taken bath and devotees are taking bath at all our ghats. Bathing is going on continuously…Makar Sankranti is tomorrow but it is January 14. https://t.co/9mKcd4KecX pic.twitter.com/VlTa2NvAWE
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) January 14, 2026
Festive atmosphere created even before Sankranti
Although Makar Sankranti will be celebrated tomorrow, the coincidence of Ekadashi and Sankranti created a festive atmosphere on 14th January itself. Usually Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 15th January, but due to the coincidence of dates and the traditional significance of 14th January, many people come to take bath even today.
What is the importance of Shattila Ekadashi?
According to the Panchang, Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Magh month is called Shattila Ekadashi. According to religious beliefs, on this day, using sesame seeds in six special ways – bathing, boiling, offering, donating, eating and doing havan – sins are destroyed and infinite virtues are attained. The devotees who have come to the banks of Sangam are not only taking bath, but are also donating sesame seeds and woolen clothes as per their capacity, which is considered especially fruitful on this day.
Also read: Why is Makar Sankranti being celebrated differently today and tomorrow? Know here
Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV9 Bharatvarsha does not confirm this.