Kanya Sankranti 2024: Know Date, Significance, Rituals, Details
Posted on September 15, 2024
About Kanya Sankranti
Kanya Sankranti is a significant Hindu festival marking the transition of the Sun from the zodiac sign Leo (Simha) to Virgo (Kanya). The word “Sankranti” refers to the movement or transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another, and Kanya Sankranti specifically signifies the entry of the Sun into the Virgo sign. This solar transition generally occurs in the middle of September, according to the Hindu calendar.
Kanya Sankranti 2024 Date
Monday, September 16
Spiritual Significance
Kanya Sankranti holds special importance as it symbolizes change, new beginnings, and the movement towards a productive phase of life. In many regions, it marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is seen as a time to offer prayers for a good harvest, abundance, and prosperity.
This period is considered auspicious for performing rituals, donating to the needy, and engaging in acts of charity. Devotees believe that by offering prayers during Kanya Sankranti, they can seek blessings for peace, happiness, and success in their lives.
Rituals and Celebrations
Kanya Sankranti is observed with various rituals and customs depending on the region. Common practices include:
Bathing Rituals: Devotees take holy baths in rivers or at home, as this is believed to cleanse the body and soul, purifying one’s mind and spirit for the upcoming months.
Charity and Donations: One of the key aspects of Kanya Sankranti is Dana (donation). People offer clothes, food, and other essentials to the poor and needy, believing that these acts of kindness bring divine blessings.
Fasting: Some devotees observe a fast (Vrat) on this day to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Temple Visits: Special prayers and offerings are made at temples, where devotees seek the Sun God’s blessings. The Surya Devta (Sun God) is worshipped as the giver of life and energy.
Regional Celebrations
While Kanya Sankranti is celebrated across India, its observance varies in different states:
Odisha: Known as Biswakarma Puja or Kanya Sankranti, it is a day when artisans, craftsmen, and industrial workers worship Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and engineer. Tools, machinery, and vehicles are cleaned and worshipped to seek blessings for success in their work.
Tamil Nadu: The day is called Periya Sankranti, and special prayers are offered in temples. It is a day for starting new ventures or important tasks.
West Bengal and Assam: Kanya Sankranti is celebrated as part of Vishwakarma Puja, where workers worship their tools and machinery, seeking safety and success in their profession.
Astrological Importance
In Vedic astrology, the Sun’s transition into the Virgo sign (Kanya Rashi) is considered to bring subtle changes in human affairs and the environment. It is a time for introspection, planning, and organizing one’s life. It’s believed that during this period, the energy becomes more analytical and focused, encouraging people to be more practical and detail-oriented.
Conclusion
Kanya Sankranti is more than just an astronomical event; it is a time of spiritual reflection, charity, and the celebration of new beginnings. Through rituals, prayers, and acts of kindness, devotees seek to align themselves with the positive energies of the universe, hoping for prosperity and well-being in the coming months.
Categories: Festival Dates & Time
