December 16, 2025 – Dhanu Sankranti

Day: Tuesday
Event Type: Solar Transit Festival
Significance: Transition of the Sun into Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi)

☀️ About Dhanu Sankranti 2025

Dhanu Sankranti marks the sun’s transition (Sankramana) from Vrishchika Rashi (Scorpio) to Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius) in the Hindu solar calendar. This astronomical event signifies the beginning of the Dhanu month in the Hindu solar system, which is considered highly auspicious for religious observances, temple visits, and charitable acts.

It is also the beginning of the Dhanurmasa in South India, especially in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, where it holds great religious importance. Devotees dedicate this month to Lord Vishnu, particularly in His form as Lord Venkateswara or Lord Jagannath.

🌞 Spiritual Significance of Dhanu Sankranti

• It is believed that during this period, the gods wake up early before sunrise to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu.
• Devotees who wake up early, take a bath, and perform Surya Arghya (offering water to the Sun God) are believed to attain great merit (punya).
• It marks the start of the Sun’s northern journey (Uttarayana) preparations leading up to Makar Sankranti.
• The festival symbolizes light, renewal, and the strengthening of spiritual energies as the Sun moves toward its higher celestial path.

🕉️ Rituals and Observances

1. Snan and Daan (Bath and Donation) – Taking a holy bath in a river or at home during sunrise is considered sacred. Donating food, clothes, or money to Brahmins and the poor brings immense blessings.
2. Surya Arghya – Devotees offer water, flowers, and prayers to the Sun God while chanting mantras like “Om Suryaya Namah”.
3. Vishnu Puja – Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu during the early morning hours known as Brahma Muhurta.
4. Temple Visits – In temples like Jagannath Puri, devotees observe Dhanu Maas rituals with devotion, offering sweets made of jaggery, rice, and sesame.
5. Fasting and Charity – Observing a fast or consuming a single meal is considered meritorious. Charity done on this day is said to multiply in spiritual returns.

📜 Regional Celebrations

• Odisha: Dhanu Sankranti is celebrated with special rituals at the Jagannath Temple, Puri. The famous Dhanu Yatra Festival in Bargarh, Odisha, reenacts Lord Krishna’s story of Mathura.
• Tamil Nadu & Karnataka: The day marks the beginning of the Dhanurmasa, during which Tiruppavai recitations and early morning Vishnu pujas are performed.
• North India: Devotees perform Surya Arghya at sunrise and donate food to Brahmins and cows.

🌅 Dhanu Sankranti 2025 Date and Time

• Dhanu Sankranti Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
• Sankranti Moment (Exact Time): 09:42 AM
• Punya Kaal (Auspicious Period): 09:42 AM – 03:45 PM
• Mahapunya Kaal (Most Auspicious Time): 09:42 AM – 11:30 AM

(Note: Timings may vary slightly as per your local Panchang.)

🌾 Importance of Charity on Dhanu Sankranti

Charity (daan) performed on this day is believed to bring spiritual elevation, prosperity, and divine grace. People donate:

• Food grains (anna daan)
• Blankets or clothes
• Jaggery, sesame seeds, and rice
• Cows or feeding to cows (goseva)

🧭 Mythological Reference

According to ancient Hindu scriptures, Dhanu Sankranti marks the Sun God’s entry into Dhanu Rashi, a sign ruled by Lord Vishnu. This period is known for “Vishnu Aradhana”, where early morning prayers are performed before sunrise. It is said that during this time, Devas (divine beings) also offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu to attain divine blessings and strength.

❓ FAQs about Dhanu Sankranti 2025

Q1. When is Dhanu Sankranti in 2025?
A. Dhanu Sankranti falls on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Q2. What is the significance of Dhanu Sankranti?
A. It marks the Sun’s entry into Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi), symbolizing spiritual renewal and the beginning of Dhanurmasa dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Q3. What rituals are performed on Dhanu Sankranti?
A. Devotees take a holy bath, offer water to the Sun, worship Lord Vishnu, and perform charity.

Q4. Which temple is famous for Dhanu Sankranti celebrations?
A. The Jagannath Temple in Puri is especially famous for Dhanu Sankranti rituals and offerings.

Q5. What should one donate on Dhanu Sankranti?
A. Food, clothes, jaggery, sesame, and feeding cows are considered highly auspicious donations.