Dhanu Sankranti

Significance and History

Dhanu Sankranti is a solar festival that marks the transition of the Sun from Scorpio (Vrishchika Rashi) to Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi). This change signifies the onset of the winter solstice, where the days begin to grow longer, and the nights become shorter. In many parts of India, it is believed that this period brings positive changes and spiritual growth.

In Odisha, the festival is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur, and people offer prayers to Lord Surya (the Sun God), thanking him for providing life and energy to the Earth. The day is marked by rituals, community feasts, and various festivities.

Why do People Celebrate Dhanu Sankranti? :

• The celebration of Dhanu Sankranti includes several rituals and spiritual practices designed to seek blessings and purify the body and mind:
  • Holy Bathing: Devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers, especially in places like the Mahanadi in Odisha, as it is believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.
  • Worship of Lord Surya: People perform pujas (prayers) to Lord Surya, offering sesame seeds (til), jaggery (gur), and khichdi (a rice-lentil dish) as part of their devotion. These offerings are believed to bring health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
  • Charity and Giving Back: It is considered an auspicious time to donate food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy. Acts of charity are believed to bring good fortune and spiritual merit.
  • Community Feasts and Fairs: People often come together to celebrate with family feasts, traditional music, bonfires, and kite flying. In Odisha, the Khichdi Mahaparba is a major tradition where communities share khichdi as a symbol of unity and celebration of the harvest.

Celebration at Krushna Dham Delaware
At Krushna Dham Delaware,

• Dhanu Sankranti is a festival that celebrates nature’s cycles, the importance of agriculture, and the spiritual connection between the individual and the divine. It serves as a reminder to seek divine blessings for prosperity, embrace positive energy, and practice gratitude for the gifts of nature. Whether through rituals, community gatherings, or acts of charity, Dhanu Sankranti encourages people to come together in the spirit of unity and renewal.

Join us at Krushna Dham Delaware this Dhanu Sankranti to seek blessings for an abundant and prosperous year ahead, through divine grace and community spirit.