Date
- Meena Sankranti 2027:
March 15,
- Marks the Sun’s transition into
Pisces (Meena Rashi).
- Observed as Meena Sankramanam
in Southern India.
- Signifies the start of the twelfth
and last month in the Hindu solar calendar.
Rituals
- Holy Bath (Snanam):
- Devotees take a ritual bath at
sunrise in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati.
- Offer namaskar to Surya Devta
(Sun God) during the bath.
- Puja & Offerings:
- Temples and home shrines decorated
with flowers, incense, lamps, and sweets.
- Special prayers offered to Surya
Devta for peace and prosperity.
- Charity (Daan):
- Ann Daan (cereals), Dhana Daan
(money), Vastra Daan (clothes) given to Brahmins
and the needy.
- Land donation
is considered especially auspicious on this day.
- Shubh Ghatis:
- The 16 ghatis (approx. 6 hours)
following Sankranti are considered highly auspicious for puja and
charity.
Significance
- Spiritual Renewal:
Sankranti puja is believed to remove sins of the past and start the
new month positively.
- Good Deeds:
Acts of charity and devotion performed today are said to bring
blessings throughout the month.
- Regional Observance:
- In Odisha, Surya Devta is worshipped
at the Konark Sun Temple.
- In Southern India, the day is called
Meena Sankramanam.
- Belief: Donating land or essentials ensures happiness, prosperity, and family well-being.