Mesha Sankranti

Bengali

Also known as: Baisabi, Pohela Boishakh Sankranti

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2026 Bengali Date

Mesha Sankranti

About Mesha Sankranti

Mesha Sankranti marks the sun's transit into Aries (Mesha Rashi), the first sign of the zodiac, signalling the beginning of the solar new year. In Bengal, this coincides with Pohela Boishakh and is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The day is considered highly auspicious for beginning new ventures, as Aries is the first zodiac sign, symbolising new beginnings. Devotees take ritual baths and offer prayers to the Sun God Surya.

In Bengal, the celebration overlaps with the Bengali New Year festivities, with traditional feasts, cultural programmes, and the opening of new account books (hal khata).

The festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, with farmers offering prayers for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe a light fast and perform Sun worship.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake before sunrise and take a ritual bath.
Offer water to the rising Sun God.
Prepare and distribute traditional sweets.
Visit temples and offer prayers.

Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after Sun worship with prasad and traditional food.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Water in a copper vesselRed flowers and kumkumIncense sticks and earthen lampsRice and offeringsNew clothes

Puja Procedure:

Wake before sunrise and take a ritual bath.
Offer water mixed with red flowers to the rising sun.
Light incense and earthen lamps.
Offer prayers and seek blessings for the new year.
Wear new clothes and enjoy the festive meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How is Mesha Sankranti connected to Bengali New Year?

Mesha Sankranti marks the sun's entry into Aries, which coincides with the start of the Bengali calendar month of Boishakh. Both are celebrated together as the solar and cultural new year.

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.