The Kumbh Sankranti marks the start of the eleventh month in the Hindu solar calendar and is considered a highly auspicious time for performing charitable acts and religious rituals. It is believed that only a limited period before or after each Sankranti moment is deemed favorable for engaging in activities related to the festival.
This year 2023, Kumbh Sankranti will be celebrated on February 13th. It is widely held to be a very auspicious day, and taking a bath in the Ganga, Yamuna, or any other holy river or lake is considered to bring great blessings and spiritual benefits. On this day, bathing, making donations, and engaging in worship are considered to hold special significance.
In South India Sankranti is called as Sankramanam.
UAE Puja Mahurat for Kumbh Sankranti
Kumbha Sankranti on Monday, February 13, 2023
Kumbha Sankranti Punya Kala – 06:55 AM to 08:27 AM (Duration – 01 Hour 31 Mins)
Civil Dawn on Ratha Saptami – 06:40 AM
Kumbha Sankranti Maha Punya Kala – 06:55 AM to 08:27 AM(Duration – 01 Hour 31 Mins)
Kumbha Sankranti Moment – 08:27 AM
*UAE Time
Kumbha Sankranti February 2023: Significance
In Hindu beliefs, the change of the Sun’s zodiac sign is known as Sankranti. On this day, the Sun enters Aquarius after leaving Capricorn. Bathing in the Ganges River on this day is considered to be particularly auspicious, and the world-famous Kumbh Mela is held at the Sangam (the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers) during the Kumbh Sankranti. On this day, bathing, charity, and worship of the Sun God have special significance.
Getting up during the Brahma Muhurta (the sacred time before dawn), worshiping the Sun God, offering prayers, and reciting the Aditya Hridaya Srotta (a hymn dedicated to the Sun God) are believed to bring immense blessings from the Sun God and result in respect and high social status. According to Hindu beliefs, if Lord Bhaskar (the Sun God) is pleased, success is ensured in all fields of life.
Donating on the day of Kumbh Sankranti is also considered to be significant, and like the festival of Makar Sankranti, there is a long-standing tradition of donating on this day. It is believed that the Sun God, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shani (the Hindu deity associated with Saturn) will shower blessings on those who donate items made of black sesame.
Finally, it is said that if a person bathes, offers black sesame, jaggery, and red sandalwood in the water to the Sun God on the day of Sankranti, that person will attain Brahma Lok (the realm of the Hindu god Brahma).
Kumbha Sankranti February 2023: Rituals
On the occasion of Kumbha Sankranti, the devotees take a dip in the holy river and pray for good fortune and prosperity while seeking the Sun God’s blessings. It is believed that the holy bath cleanses birth sins and helps devotees attain salvation. On Kumbha Sankranti day, cows are also presented with gifts, and Dan-Punya, or charitable activities, are performed. Devotees give Brahmin Pandits and the poor food, clothing, and other necessities.
