Dhanu Sankranti
AssameseAlso known as: Dhanur Sankranti, Uttarayana Sankranti
Dhanu Sankranti
About Dhanu Sankranti
Dhanu Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Dhanu (Sagittarius), occurring in mid-December. In Assamese tradition, this Sankranti holds special significance as it heralds the beginning of the Uttarayana period, considered an auspicious time for spiritual practices.
On this day, devotees in Assam take early morning ritual baths in rivers and ponds. The sun is worshipped with offerings of water, flowers, and sesame seeds. Traditional Assamese sweets made from newly harvested rice and jaggery are prepared and shared among family and neighbours.
Dhanu Sankranti also marks the beginning of the Magh Bihu preparations. Communities start organizing the meji-building activities and planning the feast menus. Temples conduct special puja ceremonies, and the day is observed with prayers for the well-being of the community.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe a fast on Dhanu Sankranti, focusing on sun worship and ritual bathing.
Om Suryaya Namah, I offer my prayers to the Sun God for health, prosperity, and the blessings of Uttarayana.
- Wake up before sunrise and take a ritual bath in a river or pond.
- Offer water to the rising sun while reciting Surya mantras.
- Prepare and distribute traditional sweets made from rice and jaggery.
- Visit temples and offer prayers for the community's prosperity.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Wake before sunrise and take a ritual bath.
- Offer water to the rising sun with the copper vessel.
- Light earthen lamps and perform surya puja.
- Distribute traditional sweets among family and neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It marks the Sun's entry into Sagittarius and the beginning of Uttarayana, considered an auspicious period for spiritual practices.
Dhanu Sankranti heralds the beginning of Magh Bihu preparations, as communities start planning the meji-building and feast activities.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.