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Dhanu Sankranti marks the day when Sun enters in the Sagittarius or Dhanu Rashi. Dhanu Sankranti marks the beginning of the ninth month in Hindu Solar Calendar. This symbolizes the beginning of the auspicious Dhanur mas for the Vaishnava sect.
On this day, Lord Surya or the Sun God is worshiped. Devotees take a dip in the sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Yamuna as it is considered a very auspicious ritual. This festival is celebrated with great gusto in Odisha. Lord Jagannath is worshiped on this day. In Odisha, the month of Pousha is considered the month of plenty. Hence, after collecting the harvest a festival of celebration is organized. A special delicacy made of sweetened rice flakes Dhanu Muan is prepared which is offered to Lord Jagannath.
Dhanu Sankranti Date:
- 2024: 15 December, 2024 [Sunday]
- 2025: 16 December, 2025 [Tuesday]
- 2026: 16 December, 2026 [Wednesday]
A street play is held on this day in the Bargarh town of Odisha that depicts the various episodes of Lord Krishna‘s life. One of the episodes is based on Krishna’s visit to Mathura to witness the Bow ceremony organized by Kansa. Kansa had invited Krishna and Balaram on the occasion of Dhanu Yatra with the evil intention of killing them. This annual festival showcases scenes right from Lord Krishna’s birth to the killing of the demon by him. During this occasion Bargarh is shown as Mathura, river Jira on the border of Bargarh town as Jamuna and a small village Ambapali on the other side of the river as Gopapura. The mango orchard serves as Vrindavan. Various scenes mentioned in the Bhagavad Purana are enacted in different areas of Bargarh town and almost all the people in the town participate in the play with great enthusiasm.
It is celebrated from Pousha Shukla Sasthi to Pousha Purnima and is carried out for ten to eleven days continuously. The entire township stretching over five-six kilometers serves as an open-air theatre. The world famous Dhanu Yatra is also held during this period at Bargarh town of Koshal (Western) region.
Significance:
Dhanu Sankranti, like many Hindu festivals, has associated legends that vary across different regions of India. Here are a couple of prominent ones:
Story of Ganga’s Descent (Ganga Avatara):
According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagiratha performed rigorous penance to bring the sacred river Ganga down from the heavens to earth. His ancestors had been cursed and turned to ashes, and he sought to purify them with the holy waters of Ganga. Lord Brahma was pleased with his penance and granted his wish. Ganga descended to earth on Dhanu Sankranti day, flowing through the locks of Lord Shiva to prevent her force from flooding the earth. This event is commemorated during this festival in various parts of India, especially where the Ganges River is worshipped.
Lord Vishnu’s Arrival to Earth:
Another legend associated with Dhanu Sankranti is the arrival of Lord Vishnu to Earth as Matsya (the fish avatar). It is believed that Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya to save the Vedas from the demon Hayagriva. This event symbolizes the beginning of the cycle of incarnations (avatars) of Lord Vishnu, which are central to Hindu belief.
On this day, Lord Surya, or the Sun God is worshiped. Devotees take a dip in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Yamuna as it is considered a very auspicious ritual. This festival is celebrated with great gusto in Odisha. Lord Jagannath is worshiped on this day. In Odisha, the month of Pousha is considered the month of plenty. Hence, after collecting the harvest a festival of celebration is organized. A special delicacy made of sweetened rice flakes Dhanu Muan is prepared which is offered to Lord Jagannath.
A street play is held on this day in the Bargarh town of Odisha that depicts the various episodes of Lord Krishna’s life. One of the episodes is based on Krishna’s visit to Mathura to witness the Bow ceremony organized by Kansa. Kansa had invited Krishna and Balaram on the occasion of Dhanu Yatra with the evil intention of killing them. This annual festival showcases scenes right from Lord Krishna’s birth to the killing of the demon by him. During this occasion Bargarh is shown as Mathura, river Jira on the border of Bargarh town as Jamuna, and a small village Ambapali on the other side of the river as Gopapura. The mango orchard serves as Vrindavan. Various scenes mentioned in the Bhagavad Purana are enacted in different areas of Bargarh town and almost all the people in the town participate in the play with great enthusiasm.
Dhanu Sankranti Celebration:
It is celebrated from Pousha Shukla Sasthi to Pousha Purnima and is carried out for ten to eleven days continuously. The entire township stretching over five-six kilometers serves as an open-air theatre. The world-famous Dhanu Yatra is also held during this period at Bargarh town of Koshal (Western) region.
The celebration of Dhanu Sankranti varies in different regions of India, but it generally involves rituals, prayers, and festive activities that mark the sun’s transition into the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Here are some common practices associated with the celebration:
Ritual Baths: Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari is considered highly auspicious on Dhanu Sankranti. It is believed to cleanse the soul and bring blessings.
Offerings and Puja: Devotees perform puja (worship) to the Sun God and Lord Vishnu, offering prayers and special offerings like fruits, flowers, and sweets. Some also light lamps or diyas as a symbol of enlightenment and auspiciousness.
Charity and Donations: Giving alms and donations to the poor and needy is considered meritorious on this day, reflecting the spirit of generosity and compassion.
Feasting: Like many Hindu festivals, Dhanu Sankranti is also a time for feasting with family and friends. Traditional sweets and dishes are prepared and shared joyously.
Cultural Performances: In some regions, cultural events, fairs, and processions are organized to celebrate the occasion. These events often include folk dances, music performances, and traditional games.
Decorations: Homes and temples are decorated with rangoli (colorful patterns made on the floor with rice flour or colored powders), flowers, and mango leaves, symbolizing prosperity and happiness.
Pilgrimages: Many devotees undertake pilgrimages to temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Sun God on this auspicious day, seeking blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
