DHANU SANKRANTI

Dhanu Sankranti: The Time for Self Introspection and Showing Generousity

Dhanu Sankranti, known as Dhanu Sankraman or Dhanu Yatra, is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the Sun's shift from the Sagittarius zodiac sign/Dhanu Rashi to the Capricorn zodiac sign/Makar Rashi. The festival is celebrated on the winter solstice day falling between December 21 and 23.

The festival is observed in the eastern and northeastern Indian states, especially in Odisha, where it is celebrated with much enthusiasm. The festival is associated with the special worship of Lord Jagannath, and in the celebrations grand processions of the deities is noticed. This is known as the Dhanu Yatra.

The festival is also associated with various rituals and customs, including taking bath in rivers and lakes, offering prayers to the Sun or Surya, and donating to the distressed. It is believed that to observe these rituals and customs during this period one can beckon good luck and prosperity in the years to come.

What is its Significance?

Dhanu Sankranti has a great significance in Hindu mythology and is regarded as an auspicious occasion. 

The occasion marks the beginning of the winter solstice. It is the longest night of the year. Hindus take this a time for sheer introspection and spiritual growth.

The festival is dedicated to the Sun who is worshipped for his thriving properties. Hindus believe that the Sun is the utmost source of all energy, and worshipping the Sun god, they can win strength and vitality.

The Sankranti is a time for giving and donating to the needy and destitute. Hindus believe that by giving to the needy they can boost their karma and bring good fortune.

The festival is significant for farmers too as it marks the beginning of the harvesting season. If the harvest is good, it will bring prosperity to the community as a whole.

Dhanu Sankranti is associated with various Hindu myths and legends. Lord Vishnu appeared in his Matsya (fish) avatar on this day to save the world from a great deluge. Another legend says that Lord Krishna killed the demon Kansa on this particular day.

It is a great time. One can go for self- introspection, devotion, and showing generosity to all in this period. It is a celebration of the nature and the divine forces that govern it.

Is There any Astrological Significance ?

Yes, Dhanu Sankranti has astrological significance. The festival hints at the movement of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn or Makar Rashi, which is considered a worthwhile transition in Vedic astrology.

As per astrology, the movement of the Sun into Capricorn is known to be the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This transition is believed to bring about significant changes in the positions of the planets and the energies associated with them. It is also believed to be a time of initiations, growth, and absolute transformation.

Dhanu Sankranti is a significant astrological event that is believed to have a profound impact on the universal energies. It is a time to  renew, and set new goals for the years ahead.

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DHANU SANKRANTI Day and date: 16th December 2015 (Wednesay). Dhanu Sankranti also known as Dhanur Sankraman is the day when Sun enters into sign of Sagittarius. On this day, special prayers are offered to Surya and people also take bath in holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra and Kaveri. This festival is one of the most important festival of Orissa. Lord Jagannath is worshiped on this day. In Orissa, Dhany sanskriti is celebrated on the first day of lunar Posha. Street plays are held depicting the life of Lord Krishna relating to his visit to Mathura- held during the period of Baragarh. This visit was made to witness the ceremony ofdhanu"bow". Kansa had invited Krishna and Balaram on the occasion of Dhanu Yatra with an intention of killing them during the Yatra. Hence it is known as Dhanu Yatra. Many musical performances also take. A special sweet made of rice is also prepared on this day. Rituals: 1) The Sun God is offered water and flowers early in the morning just after the sunrise 2) Lord Jagannath is worshipped in many parts of the India, especially in Orissa. 3) Devotees commence the festival of Dhanu Yatra from the sixth day of the Posha month in shukla paksha and it is continued Purnima of Posha month itself. 4) Sweets are made of rice and are offered to god. 5) Street plays are held in which "Bow ceremony" is depicted. 6) People take bath in the holy river and offer donations to the poor.