Mesha Sankranti, also known as Mesha Sankramana or Aries Sankranti, is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the new year according to most Hindu Solar Calendars in some parts of India, particularly in the regions of Odisha, West Bengal and Assam.
According to astrology, this sankranti falls on the day when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries (Mesha in Sanskrit) from Pisces (Meena). It usually occurs around the 14th or 15th of April in the Gregorian calendar. Popularly known as the Vaisakha Sankranti, it is the day of the Solar New Year. Therefore, in several regions, this method of the calendar is adopted and is considered a significant occasion. This day is considered highly auspicious to worship the Sun god.
On this day, people take a dip in holy rivers, offer prayers to the Sun God, and perform various rituals to seek blessings and prosperity for the coming year. In some regions, people also decorate their houses with flowers, rangolis, and lamps to celebrate the occasion. Especially, Biharis celebrate this day as Satuan with holy baths and eating sattu and jaggery.
Also Read: Ugadi 2023: Hindu New Year according to Lunar Calendar
So now, let’s find out when is Mesha Sankranti 2023, its Significance and the auspicious timings in detail.
Mesha Sankranti 2023: Date, Muhurat and Timings
This year, it will be celebrated on Friday, April 14, 2023
- Mesha Sankranti Punya Kala: 10:55 a.m to 06:46 p.m
- Mesha Sankranti Maha Punya Kala: 01:04 p.m to 05:20 p.m
- Mesha Sankranti Moment: 03:12 p.m
Also Read: Solar Eclipse 2023: When and How It Will Impact Zodiac Signs
Significance of Mesha Sankranti
Vaishakh Sankranti is an important festival in Hinduism as it marks the beginning of the new year in some regions of India. The festival is significant for various reasons, some of which are:
Arrival of Spring
This Sankranti marks the beginning of the Spring season in India. It is a time when nature is at its best with trees and flowers blooming and the weather becoming warmer. The festival is a celebration of the new season and a new beginning.
Sun Worship
Vaishakh (Mesha) Sankranti is also a day to offer prayers to the Sun God. The Sun is considered to be a symbol of power, strength and wisdom in Hinduism and offering prayers to the Sun God is believed to bring good health, prosperity, power and success.
Agricultural Significance
In rural areas, Mesha Sankranti 2023 is celebrated as a harvest festival as it marks the end of the Rabi crop season and the beginning of the Kharif crop season. Farmers offer prayers to the Sun God for a good harvest and prosperity.
Astrological Significance
The movement of the Sun from Pisces to Aries is considered to have astrological significance as it marks the beginning of the new zodiac year. The day is also believed to be auspicious for starting new ventures, making investments and buying new assets such as property.
Overall, Mesha Sankranti is a festival that signifies new beginnings, prosperity, and growth. It is a day to offer gratitude to the Sun God and seek blessings for a bright future.
Also Read: Significance of Grah Shanti
What Are the Rituals Performed on Mesha Sankranti?
This Solar new year is celebrated with various rituals and customs in different regions of India. Some of the common rituals performed on this day are
Holy Dip
Taking a dip in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari is considered auspicious on Mesha Sankranti. Devotees believe that taking a dip in these rivers on this day washes away all sins and brings good luck and health.
Worshipping Surya Devta
The Sun God is worshipped on this day as it is believed that the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries on this day. Devotees offer water, flowers, and fruits to the Sun God and chant mantras to seek blessings for a prosperous life.
Charity
Giving charity or donating food, clothes or money to the needy and poor is considered auspicious on Mesha Sankranti. It is believed that donating on this day brings good karma and removes obstacles in life.
Rangoli
People decorate their homes with colourful rangolis made with rice flour, turmeric and other colours. It is believed that making rangolis on this day brings good luck and prosperity.
Feasting
It is also a day for feasting and enjoying traditional delicacies. In some regions, special dishes like pitha, chira and payesh are prepared and shared with family and friends.
Overall, Mesha Sankranti is a day of new beginnings, blessings, and prosperity. People perform various rituals and customs to celebrate the occasion and seek blessings for a prosperous future.
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