Simha Sankranti 2025 - Sunday, August 17, 2025

Simha Sankranti (सिंहा संक्रांति) marks the day when the sun moves from Karka Rashi (Cancer) to Simha (Leo). Simha Sankranti marks the beginning of Malayalam calendar in Kerala. Similarly, Avni Masam begins in the Tamil month on the day of Simha Sankranti. Simha Sankranti, also known as Simha Sankramana or Singh Sankranti, is a Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha Rashi). This event is considered significant in Hindu astrology and is celebrated with various religious and cultural activities.

Simha Sankranti Celebrations (सिंहा संक्रांति के उत्सव)

Simha Sankranti is a day of worship. Devotees offer their prayers to the Sun God, Lord Vishnu and Lord Narsimha Swami on the occasion of Simha Sankranti. Vishnumurthy Temple situated at Kulai near the city of Mangalore is specially decked up for the festivities.

Narikela Abhishekha which is considered to be a holy bath is specially performed on the occasion of Simha Sankranti. Specially cleansed coconut water is used for Narikela Abhishekha. Appada Pooja to please Lord Ganesh is performed and offerings in form of Hoovina Pooja are made to Lord Vishnumurthy on this occasion and the celebrations continue till Kanya Sankraman.  

The festival is celebrated in temples across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Key Aspects of Simha Sankranti

• Date: It usually falls around July 15th or 16th, depending on the position of the Sun.
• Religious Significance: The festival is associated with the Sun's entry into the sign of Leo, which is considered a time of prosperity and growth. It’s an auspicious time for new beginnings and spiritual activities.
• Rituals: Devotees take holy dips in rivers, offer prayers to the Sun God, and perform rituals for health, wealth, and happiness.
• Festive Activities: Celebrations may include community gatherings, feasting, and traditional dances.

Religious Importance of Simha Sankranti (सिंहा संक्रांति की धार्मिक मान्यता)

Though Simha Sankranti is celebrated primarily throughout the Southern States of India, it is also celebrated in the Kumaun belt of Uttarakhand. It is usually believed that during the reign of the Chand dynasty, artisans displayed their products in the palace on Simha Sankranti. They were suitably rewarded by the King for their efforts. Common people of the dynasty too became a part of these celebrations and offered fruits and flowers to the members of royal family. This tradition of offering fruits and other offerings to the members of royal family was known as Rite of Olag.
The tradition of offering gifts on occasion of Simha Sankranti is much similar to the traditions of Christmas when exchanging gifts is considered good. Bread made from horse bean poured with butter and ghee was consumed throughout the Kumaun region on this day. The widespread use of ghee on the occasion of Simha Sankranti has earned it the pseudo name of GhritSankranti in Bageshwar region of Kumaun in Uttarakhand.

Significance of Simha Sankranti (सिंहा संक्रांति का महत्व)

Sankranti in general signifies the movement of Sun from one Rashi to the other. Simha Sankranti as other Sankranti festivals is unique as one is able to expel out darkness from the life on the occasion of Simha Sankranti and usher in an era of prosperity. Devotees who offer traditional offerings to the Sun God, Lord Vishnu and Lord Narsimha Swami, are blessed with a dignified life.

The festivities are celebrated with religious devotion and devotees seek the blessings of God on the occasion of Simha Sankranti.

सिंह संक्रांति  के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिये यहां क्लिक करें