What Is Simha Sankranti? Know Date, Timings And Rituals

Simha Sankranti, also known as Leo Sankranti occurs when the Sun transitions to the Leo zodiac sign and marks the end of the Cancer zodiac. The shift of the sun from one zodiac to another results in cosmic energies and influences. Now, on August 16, the Simha Sankranti will occur, during which, it is believed to take a bath in the holy river and do charity work and donation. According to Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava, the Sun will transition from Cancer to Leo zodiac sign on Friday, August 16 at 7:54 pm, which will mark the observance of Leo Sankranti. As per the expert, it is believed that on this day, Lord Surya rides on a Lion wearing white clothes and moves towards the east direction. On this day, he should be offered food grains, perfume, Nagkesar flowers, and ornaments like anklets.

Leo Sankranti will occur during the Preeti Yog and Purvashada Nakshatra. The Preeti Yog will start at 01:12 pm and Purvashada Nakshatra will start at 12:44 pm. The Punyakaal of Leo Sankranti on August 16 will last for 6 hours and 34 minutes. The Punyakaal will start at 12:25 pm and will last till 6:59 pm. Meanwhile, the timing of Maha Punya Kaal will last up to 02 hours and 11 minutes. The time is from 04:48 pm to 06:59 pm.

On the occasion of Leo Sankranti, Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava suggested taking a bath and then engaging in charity and donation work. It should be done during the Maha Punya Kaal. He further advised that devotees must wear clean clothes after taking a bath and then worship the Sun God. They should then offer water to their deceased ancestors as it would please them and bestow their blessings. After this, one should donate food, clothes, fruits or other food and necessary items as per one’s capacity. If one wants to please the Sun God and increase the good influence of the Sankranti, then one must donate wheat, red clothes, red sandalwood, copper, jaggery and ghee to name a few.