Mesha Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishuva Sankranti, marks the Sun's transition into the Aries (Mesha) zodiac sign, signifying the commencement of the New Year in several Hindu solar calendars. In 2025, Mesha Sankranti falls on Monday, April 14th.
Mesha Sankranti holds profound importance as it heralds the onset of the New Year in various regional calendars:
Pana Sankranti in Odisha: Celebrated with the preparation of 'Pana,' a traditional sweet drink.
Puthandu in Tamil Nadu: Marked by festive rituals and family gatherings.
Vishu in Kerala: Known for the 'Vishukkani' sighting and fireworks.
Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal: Observed with cultural programs and fairs.
Bihu in Assam: Celebrated with traditional dance and music.
Vaisakhi in Punjab: Commemorated with processions and community feasts.
Devotees engage in various spiritual activities during Mesha Sankranti:
Holy Baths: Taking dips in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari is considered auspicious.
Worship: Special prayers are offered to deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Kali.
Charitable Acts: Performing 'Dan-Punya' (acts of charity) during the Punya Kaal is believed to yield significant merit.
The period of Mesha Sankranti is traditionally viewed as favorable for initiating new ventures and seeking divine blessings for prosperity and well-being. In summary, Mesha Sankranti is a pivotal festival that not only marks a celestial transition but also embodies cultural and spiritual rejuvenation across various regions.
Mesha Sankranti, also known as Maha Vishuva Sankranti, marks the commencement of the Hindu solar New Year when the Sun transits into the Aries (Mesha) zodiac sign. In 2025, this auspicious event falls on Monday, April 14. The transition of the Sun into Aries signifies the end of the inauspicious period known as Kharmas or Malmas, making it a favorable time for initiating new ventures and conducting auspicious ceremonies.
Mesha Sankranti holds profound importance in Hindu traditions. It is a day dedicated to the worship of deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Kali. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer prayers to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and well-being. The day is also marked by charitable activities, including donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy. Bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari is considered highly meritorious on this day.
Across India, Mesha Sankranti is celebrated under various names, reflecting the country's rich cultural diversity:
Pana Sankranti in Odisha: Celebrated as the Odia New Year, people prepare a special drink called 'Pana' and engage in charitable acts.
Puthandu in Tamil Nadu: Marking the Tamil New Year, households perform special pujas and prepare festive meals.
Vishu in Kerala: Observed as the Malayali New Year, it features the 'Vishukkani'—an arrangement of auspicious items viewed upon waking.
Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal: Known as the Bengali New Year, it is celebrated with cultural programs, processions, and traditional feasts.
Bihu in Assam and Vaisakhi in Punjab: Both festivals coincide with Mesha Sankranti, celebrating the harvest season with music, dance, and community fairs.
Observing rituals during Mesha Sankranti is believed to yield several benefits:
Spiritual Cleansing: Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers purifies the soul and absolves past sins.
Divine Blessings: Worshiping deities like Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali brings protection and fulfillment of desires.
Health and Prosperity: Offering prayers to the Sun God enhances physical and mental well-being.
Charitable Acts: Donating to the underprivileged fosters societal harmony and attracts positive karma.
In essence, Mesha Sankranti is not only an astronomical event but also a celebration of renewal, cultural unity, and spiritual growth across various regions of India.
Mesha Sankranti, also known as the Solar New Year, holds significant importance in the Hindu calendar as it marks the Sun's transition into the Aries zodiac sign (Mesha Rashi). This event signifies the end of the auspicious Uttarayan period and the conclusion of the inauspicious Kharmas/Malmas phase, making it an ideal time to commence new ventures and perform sacred rituals.
In 2025, Mesha Sankranti falls on Monday, April 14th. The Sun is expected to enter Aries at approximately 3:30 AM. Auspicious Timings (Muhurat) for Mesha Sankranti 2025: Punya Kaal (Auspicious Period): 5:36 AM to 11:58 AM Maha Punya Kaal (Highly Auspicious Period): 5:36 AM to 7:44 AM
Mesha Sankranti is considered highly auspicious for performing charitable acts, worship, and initiating new endeavors. It is believed that on this day, offering prayers to Lord Surya (the Sun God) and engaging in acts of charity can bring prosperity, health, and well-being. Additionally, in various regional calendars, this day marks the beginning of the New Year, such as Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, and Vishu in Kerala. Rituals and Practices:
Morning Rituals: Begin the day with an early morning bath in a sacred river or at home by adding Ganga Jal (holy water) to the bathing water.
Surya Arghya: Offer water to the Sun God during sunrise while chanting the mantra "Om Suryaya Namah."
Charity (Daan): Donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy, as acts of charity are believed to yield manifold benefits on this day.
Worship: Perform puja (worship) of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, seeking their blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
By observing these rituals with devotion and sincerity, devotees seek to invite positive energy and divine blessings into their lives during Mesha Sankranti.
In Hindu astrology, the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another is termed as 'Sankranti'. The entry of the Sun into Aries is known as 'Mesha Sankranti', marking the end of 'Malmas' or 'Kharmas'. On this auspicious day, while worshiping Lord Surya (Sun God) yields numerous benefits, certain activities are considered inauspicious and should be avoided.
Early Morning Bath: Begin the day by taking a bath during the 'Brahma Muhurta'. Bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges is highly meritorious. If that's not feasible, adding Ganga water and red sandalwood to your bathing water at home is believed to confer similar benefits.
Offer Arghya to the Sun: After bathing, offer water (Arghya) to Lord Surya and perform his worship.
Charitable Acts: Following the worship, donate items such as footwear, clothes, and food grains. Engaging in acts of charity on this day is believed to alleviate planetary afflictions and chronic ailments.
Sun Worship for Planetary Benefits: For those with a weak Sun in their horoscope, performing Surya Puja during Mesha Sankranti is especially beneficial.
Initiating New Ventures: Although Mesha Sankranti marks the commencement of auspicious activities, it's advisable to consult the Panchang (Hindu almanac) and ensure a favorable Muhurat before starting any new endeavor.
Disrespecting Elders: Particularly, avoid any form of disrespect towards your father. Dishonoring one's father on this day is believed to weaken the Sun's favorable influence in one's horoscope.
Neglecting the Needy: Refrain from causing harm or distress to those in need. Instead, extend help and make donations as per your capacity.
Sleeping Late: Avoid sleeping in after sunrise, as it's considered inauspicious and may lead to unfavorable outcomes.
These guidelines provide insights into the dos and don'ts associated with Mesha Sankranti. For more such religious information, stay connected with 'Shri Mandir'.
In Hindu astrology, the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another is termed as 'Sankranti'. The entry of the Sun into Aries is known as 'Mesha Sankranti', marking the end of 'Malmas' or 'Kharmas'. On this auspicious day, while worshiping Lord Surya (Sun God) yields numerous benefits, certain activities are considered inauspicious and should be avoided.
Early Morning Bath: Begin the day by taking a bath during the 'Brahma Muhurta'. Bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges is highly meritorious. If that's not feasible, adding Ganga water and red sandalwood to your bathing water at home is believed to confer similar benefits.
Offer Arghya to the Sun: After bathing, offer water (Arghya) to Lord Surya and perform his worship.
Charitable Acts: Following the worship, donate items such as footwear, clothes, and food grains. Engaging in acts of charity on this day is believed to alleviate planetary afflictions and chronic ailments.
Sun Worship for Planetary Benefits: For those with a weak Sun in their horoscope, performing Surya Puja during Mesha Sankranti is especially beneficial.
Initiating New Ventures: Although Mesha Sankranti marks the commencement of auspicious activities, it's advisable to consult the Panchang (Hindu almanac) and ensure a favorable Muhurat before starting any new endeavor.
Disrespecting Elders: Particularly, avoid any form of disrespect towards your father. Dishonoring one's father on this day is believed to weaken the Sun's favorable influence in one's horoscope.
Neglecting the Needy: Refrain from causing harm or distress to those in need. Instead, extend help and make donations as per your capacity.
Sleeping Late: Avoid sleeping in after sunrise, as it's considered inauspicious and may lead to unfavorable outcomes.
These guidelines provide insights into the dos and don'ts associated with Mesha Sankranti. For more such religious information, stay connected with 'Shri Mandir'.
Did you like this article?
Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya 2025 an auspicious day for wealth and prosperity Discover the spiritual significance importance of gold buying fasting rituals and remedies for success
Observe Varuthini Ekadashi 2025 a sacred fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu Learn its date spiritual significance puja vidhi and the dos and donts of this auspicious occasion
Observe Vikat Sankashti Chaturthi, a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Discover its importance, fasting rituals, and the auspicious timings for moonrise in 2025.