Bhogi festival in 2026 is very important and special to the whole world because it is a very rare combination which will not happen again till 2040. Bhogi this year is on Shattila Ekadashi, making it spiritually and culturally unique for the devotees residing in the Telugu states.
The term Bhogi is said to be derived from the word Bhaga which means fire or heat. The bonfires that are lighted on Bhogi day are not only the symbols of warmth but also of health and purification according to the tradition. It is being said that during Dhanurmasam, when seasonal diseases are at their peak, the burning of cow dung and bark of medicinal trees not only purifies the air but also destroys the microorganisms.
To make the Bhogi bonfire stronger, the bark of trees like peepal (Ravi tree), mango, and medi are used along with cow ghee. It is believed that the smoke from these materials contains medicinal properties which can excite thousands of nerves in the human body and hence, increase overall well-being.
Spiritual Meaning of Bhogi Bonfires
Bhogi is the festival’s starting day, Sankranti, when the Sun makes its movement from Dakshinayanam to Uttarayanam. The cold during this time is so severe that people use bonfires to provide themselves with both physical and spiritual comfort. It is thought that through fire, one can burn one’s hardships, losses, and accumulated negative energies during Dakshinayanam hence creating a condition of happiness and renewal.
Purana’s stories are also going to connect Bhogi with King Bali. According to the legend, after Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Vamana then sent Bali to the underworld, he gave him a boon to go to Earth every year before Sankranti only to bless the people. The fires that are lit on Bhogi eve are considered to be an invitation to the just king to come back to Earth.
Rare Bhogi–Ekadashi Combination in 2026
In the year 2026, Bhogi festival will take place on Shattila Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Pushya. The Ekadashi tithi will start at 3:18 PM on January 13 and will end at 5:53 PM on January 14). The scholars say that such an overlap occurs very seldom so the Bhogi festival this year is going to be very illuminating spiritually.
Besides, Bhogi festival is also recognized for its association with Goddess Goda Devi (Andal). It is said that Goda Devi while on the month of Dhanurmasam made a vow to marry only Lord Vishnu. For 30 days, she kept up the strictest devotion, singing the sacred and offering Pongal as naivedyam. At the end of this period, Lord Ranganatha appeared and agreed to marry her. This divine wedding which is popularly known as Goda Kalyanam is celebrated in temples on Bhogi day.
Shattila Ekadashi Rituals
Because of the coincidence of Bhogi with Ekadashi this year, fasting is said to be very auspicious. On Shattila Ekadashi, it is customary for the devotees to apply sesame oil or sesame paste before bathing and also to bathe with water mixed with black sesame seeds. All these practices are thought to be purifying and to get rid of doshas.
Food made of sesame, giving sesame seeds, and chanting the Vishnu Sahasranamam on this day have also been recommended by religious experts as highly beneficial.
Disclaimer
The details presented in this piece are derived from the religious faiths and ancient texts. No scientific validation is provided for these assertions. It is recommended that the audience regard the material as informational, grounded in faith and professional interpretations. The publisher does not confirm or support these opinions.
Bhogi 2026, with its exceptional heavenly arrangement and centuries-old practices, is a celebration that only comes once in a lifetime—it is a festival that has increased spiritual energy and blessings, according to the believers.
