Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Sankranti

Kumbha Sankranti

Also called: Kumbha Sankramana

Marks the Sun's transit into Aquarius (Kumbha). Classified in the Surya Siddhanta as a Vishnupadi Sankranti. The Punya Kaal for a Vishnupadi transit extends for 16 ghatis (roughly 6.4 hours) prior to the exact moment of ingress. It marks the beginning of the eleventh solar month.

Key facts

Paksha
Vishnupadi Class
Lunar month
Sun enters Kumbha (Aquarius) in late Magha / Phalguna
Observed on
The day the Sun enters Kumbha Rashi (~February 12-14)
Deities
Surya Dev, Lord Vishnu

The story

The symbol of Kumbha (the sacred water pot) represents abundance, knowledge, and divine nectar. In Vedic lore, taking a holy river bath during Kumbha Sankranti cleanses past wrongdoing and promotes health as the cold winter begins to ease.

Practices

  • Holy dip in sacred rivers during the morning Punya Kaal
  • Charity of food grains, water vessels, and warm clothing to seekers
  • Sun worship with red flowers and water offerings

Regional variations

  • Marks important bathing dates during the ongoing Magha Mela at Prayagraj

Common questions

What is a Vishnupadi Sankranti?
Vishnupadi Sankrantis occur when the Sun enters fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). Their Punya Kaal is observed prior to the transit.

Types of Sankranti