Sankranti August, 2023 [Hindi Calendar Month] - संक्रांति लिस्ट, Date & Time, Hindu Calendar, Puja Vidhi, Importance

Sankranti, often called Makar Sankranti, is a significant Hindu festival. Hindus from all over India celebrate this festival every year with great enthusiasm. It's already July, and if you are unaware of the Sankranti 2023 (July) dates, this blog post is of great help.

Here, we will provide details about Sankranti this year with the date and time. The dates of Sankranti will be mentioned according to the Hindu calendar. We shall also discuss the puja vidhi (rituals), thereby highlighting the importance of this festival.

What is Sankranti [संक्रांति ২০২3 জুলাই]

Sankranti is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrating the winter solstice and springtime transition. It is also known as Maghi and is celebrated by Hindus. When the Sun is transformed to the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) & indicated the beginning of longer days, it's Sankranti. This festival also marks that the winter season has come to an end.

Both culturally and religiously, Sankranti is significant. It is celebrated with warmth and traditional customs. When the solar month begins, people in India observe twelve Sankranti. The exact date of Maghi is different every year. Instead, it varies yearly and is usually dependent on the Hindu calendar.

Indian states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Gujrat, and Odisha follow the sidereal solar calendar to acknowledge 'Sankranti.' Each Sankranti in a year marks the beginning of a month. Mythology also states that Sankranti is a deity who killed Sankarasur – a demon.

Sankranti 2023 Dates (From July to December)

• Karka Sankranti
• Date: 17th July
• Day: Monday
• Time: 12:32 to 18:52

What is the Puja Ritual of Karka Sankranti?

Devotees should rise early and take a bath before sunrise. On Karka Sankranti, worshipping Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Surya is considered good. Lighting diyas and offering holy water (Arghya) to Lord Surya is another important Puja Vidhi.

Chant Surya Mantra repeatedly 108 times. Offer a desi ghee-lit diya under a banyan and peepal tree. Charity is another important ritual to be followed. Hindu devotees can donate food, clothes, and Dakshina to Brahmins and people experiencing poverty. Also, distribute the first part of the prepared to Brahmin.

2. Simha Sankranti

• Date: 17th August
• Day: Thursday
• Time: 07:06 to 13:44

What is the Puja Vidhi of Simha Sankranti?

Devotees should get up in the morning and take a holy water bath. Then, Lord Vishnu and Lord Narasimha are to be bathed. Nariyal (coconut) Abhishek is considered very auspicious on this puja day. Make sure to use fresh coconut for the puja rituals. Offer the Lord flowers, fruits, and sweets to seek his blessings.

You should perform Surya Pooja and Hoovina Puja dedicated to Lord Vishnumurthy. Performing the Simha Sankranti rituals is extensively believed to bring peace and prosperity. This Puja also cuts off doshas and grahas from one's Kundli.

3. Kanya Sankranti

• Date: 17th September
• Day: Sunday
• Time: 13:43 to 18:25

What is the Puja Vidhi of Kanya Sankranti?

Lord Vishwakarma is worshipped in Kanya Sankranti. This auspicious day is considered very important for Dan-Punya activities. Business-related equipment, such as tools, machinery, etc., are cleaned. Devotees worship & offer prayers for the proper functioning of the equipment.

Food is prepared to offer to the Lord Vishwakarma. Khichdi and kheer are perfect food items to prepare on Kanya Sankranti. Food, fruits, and sweets are offered to the Lord. Prashad is also distributed among the workers and the needy people.

4. Tula Sankranti

• Date: 18th October
• Day: Wednesday
• Time: 06:15 to 12:11

What is the Puja Vidhi of Tula Sankranti?

In Tula Sankranti, devotees take holy dips or baths in the sacred river. Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvati are worshipped. Wheat grains, fresh rice grains, and branches of Kara plants are offered to Devi Laxmi. Betel leaves vermilion paste, palm nuts, sandalwood paste, and bangles are offered to please Goddess Parvati.

Farmers from Odisha and Karnataka participate in the puja ceremony. They pray to God. After offering prayers, these farmers consume a rich meal. It's believed devotees will never go through a food shortage in the future if they observe videos in Tula Sankranti.

5. Vrischika Sankranti

• Date: 17th November
• Day: Friday
• Time: 06:22 to 12:11

What is the Puja Vidhi of Vrischika Sankranti?

On Vrischika Sankranti, Hindu devotees worship Lord Sun. It is considered holy to take a bath and offer prayers to Sun. If you do so, you can seek the blessing of Bhagwaan Surya. Giving 'daan' is also considered to be auspicious during this day.

'Shradh' and 'Pitru Tadpan' are essential rituals for Vrischika Sankranti. One should remember that performing daan during a specific time is very helpful. It lets devotees gain blessings and maximum benefits.

6. Dhanu Sankranti

• Date: 16th December
• Day: Saturday
• Time: 16:09 to 18:07

What is the Puja Vidhi of Dhanu Sankranti?

Hindu devotees should rise early in the morning. Make sure to get up before sunrise and take a bath. Red sandalwood in water mixed is to be offered to Surya Dev. Usually, copper pot is considered holy to present this offering.

Lord Sun is worshipped on Dhanu Sankranti. Mix water with Roli, turmeric, and vermilion. Use this mixture as Arghya and offer the same to the Sun. Flowers are also offered to the Surya Dev to seek his blessings. Conclude the Puja with a prayer for well-being and prosperity.

Importance of Sankranti in Hindu Religion

In Hinduism, Sankranti is considered very significant. Let's see how?

• Astronomical Significance - Astronomically, Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. The shifting of the Sun from one celestial position to another. It's a celestial event and hence, very significant in Hindu astrology. Maghi is believed to influence various several aspects of human life.
• Harvest Festival - Sankranti is significant as it culminates in the harvest season. People consider Maghi as the arrival of prosperity and abundance. Farmers offer thanks to deities and prayers for a plentiful harvest in the upcoming seasons.
• Seasonal Transition - Sankranti marks the beginning of a new season. Four major Sankranti events are in a year, each representing the transition from one season to another. These transitions are essential for agricultural activities and play a vital role in determining the timing of sowing and harvesting of crops.
• Devotional Significance - Seeing from the aspect of devotion, Sankranti is associated with various deities. Prayers are offered to the Lord, and rituals are dedicated to gods and goddesses such as Lord Sun, Devi Parvati, Lord Vishnu, and God Lakshmi.
• Spiritual Significance - Sankranti is a very opportune time of the year. It holds importance from a spiritual point of view. This tithi is ideal for performing spiritual practices like meditation, fasting, and acts of charity. As per belief, engaging one's soul, mind, and body in spirituality can bring purification.

Conclusion

By now, you must have known all the essential dates of Sankranti (July) 2023. So, celebrate the coming Sankranti, express gratitude for the natural cycles, and don't forget to seek divine blessings from the heavenly abode.