Meena Sankranti 2024: Dates and significance of the auspicious Hindu festival
The Hindu festival of Meena Sankranti, which marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Pisces, will be celebrated on March 14th next year. According to Hindu calendars like the Drik Panchang, Meena Sankranti holds religious importance as it falls during Lord Surya’s movement between zodiac signs.
The festival’s auspicious Maha Punya Kaal period will commence at 12:46 pm and last till 2:46 pm on the day. Worshipping Surya is considered special during Meena Sankranti. Devotees traditionally take holy dips in rivers, perform rituals like havan and offer prayers to seek blessings.
Charitable acts, such as donations to the poor and needy, are also widely undertaken by Hindus. Donating food, clothes, and money is believed to bring blessings. Meena Sankranti signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring, as per the lunar calendar.
Along with the timing of Surya’s transit into Meen rashi or Pisces sign at 12:46 pm, the entire period from 12:46 pm to 6:29 pm on March 14th next year will be marked as the Meena Sankranti part. Prescribed prayers, chants to Surya and philanthropic works are usually carried out only during this auspicious stretch.
