Meena Sankranti 2026 Date, Rituals, Significance & Sankramanam Puja Guide

Date

• Meena Sankranti 2026: March 15, Sunday
• 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.