Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Sankranti

Mithuna Sankranti

Also called: Mithuna Sankramana, Raja Parba

Marks the Sun's transit into Gemini (Mithuna). Classified as a Shadashitimukha Sankranti, where Punya Kaal extends for 16 ghatis after the transit. In Odisha, it forms the heart of the four-day festival of Raja Parba, which celebrates Mother Earth's regenerative cycle ahead of the agricultural monsoon season.

Key facts

Paksha
Shadashitimukha Class
Lunar month
Sun enters Mithuna (Gemini) in Jyeshtha / Ashadha
Observed on
The day the Sun enters Mithuna Rashi (~June 14-15)
Deities
Surya Dev, Mother Earth (Bhumi Devi), Lord Jagannatha

The story

In Odia tradition, Mother Earth (Bhumi Devi) undergoes her menstrual cycle during these three days to prepare for agricultural fertility. All plowing, tree-cutting, and tilling of the soil are paused to allow the earth to rest, celebrating womanhood and ecological harmony.

Practices

  • Holy dip and prayers to Surya Dev during Punya Kaal
  • In Odisha, women and girls celebrate with decorated swings, eating Poda Pitha (baked rice cake), and wearing new clothes
  • Complete abstention from digging or plowing the soil for three days

Regional variations

  • Celebrated as a premier cultural and religious festival (Raja Parba) across Odisha; marks the solar month of Aani in Tamil Nadu

Common questions

What is the unique cultural celebration of Mithuna Sankranti in Odisha?
It is celebrated as Raja Parba, a four-day festival where Mother Earth is honored, agricultural work pauses, and women celebrate with traditional swings and poda pitha.

Types of Sankranti