2024 Dhanu Sankranti Date Timings and Significance
See below for the 2024 Dhanu Sankranti Date, Pooja Timings, Significance, and detailed guide for performing the pooja at home in detail.
2024 Dhanu Sankranti Date: A Complete Guide
Dhanu Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into the Sagittarius (Dhanu) zodiac sign. This festival is a significant occasion for Hindus, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity. In 2024, Dhanu Sankranti falls on December 15th. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide covering the puja timings, significance, and how to perform the Dhanu Sankranti pooja at home.
2024 Dhanu Sankranti Date Timings and Significance
For Dhanu Sankranti in 2024, the most auspicious time to perform the pooja is during the Punya Kaal Muhurta, which is from 08:49 AM to 10:11 PM on December 15th. Performing the pooja during this period is believed to bring prosperity and happiness.
Significance of Dhanu Sankranti
Dhanu Sankranti marks the beginning of the auspicious Dhanurmasam month. It is a time when devotees worship Lord Vishnu and the sun god to seek their blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity. The festival is particularly significant in Odisha and Karnataka, where elaborate rituals and celebrations take place.
Dhanurmasam Festivals and Auspicious Days List
| Date | Day | Festival / Auspicious Day |
|---|---|---|
| December 15 | Sunday | Dhanu Sankranti |
| December 16 | Monday | Pousha Masa Begins |
| December 21 | Saturday | Purnima |
| December 25 | Wednesday | Ekadashi |
| December 31 | Tuesday | Pradosh Vrat |
| January 1 | Wednesday | Amavasya |
| January 2 | Thursday | Purnima |
| January 10 | Friday | Ekadashi |
| January 13 | Monday | Pongal |
| January 15 | Wednesday | Makar Sankranti |
How to Perform Dhanu Sankranti Pooja at Home
- Preparation: Clean your home and take a purifying bath early in the morning.
- Place: Set up a clean and decorated space in the puja room or any other sacred spot.
- Items Needed: Refer to the Pooja Items List in the table below.
- Procedure:
- Setup: Place an idol or picture of Lord Vishnu or the sun god on a decorated altar. Arrange the pooja items neatly.
- Invocation: Light a lamp and incense sticks. Chant mantras to invoke the deities.
- Offering: Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and other items to the deity. Perform the aarti while singing devotional songs.
- Prayer: Recite the Vishnu Sahasranamam or other relevant slokas.
- Conclusion: Distribute the prasadam among family members and neighbors.
Pooja Items List
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Turmeric | Symbolizes purity |
| Kumkum | Represents auspiciousness |
| Flowers | For decoration and offering |
| Fruits | For offering |
| Sweets | For offering and prasadam |
| Betel Leaves and Nuts | Traditional offering |
| Lamp and Incense | To invoke divine presence |
| Idol/Picture of Vishnu or Sun God | For worship |
| Water | Purification and offering |
| Rice | For offering |
Rules and Regulations in Dhanu Sankranti
- Purity: Maintain physical and mental purity throughout the day.
- Timeliness: Perform the pooja during the prescribed timings.
- Attire: Wear clean, preferably traditional attire.
- Direction: Face east while performing the pooja as it is considered auspicious.
Fasting and Food Details in Dhanu Sankranti
Fasting during Dhanu Sankranti is observed by many devotees. The fast usually involves abstaining from grains and consuming only fruits, milk, and other sattvic foods. The fast can be broken after the completion of the pooja.
Prasadam Offering Details
| Prasadam | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Payasam | Rice, jaggery, milk, cardamom |
| Panakam | Jaggery, water, lemon |
| Sundal | Boiled chickpeas, coconut, spices |
| Ladoo | Gram flour, ghee, sugar |
Do’s and Don’ts in Dhanu Sankranti Pooja
Do’s:
- Perform the pooja with devotion and sincerity.
- Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy.
- Recite mantras and prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu or the sun god.
Don’ts:
- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food.
- Refrain from engaging in negative activities or thoughts.
- Do not cut hair or nails on this day.
- Avoid sleeping during the daytime as it is considered inauspicious.
Things to Know
- Dhanu Sankranti: Celebrated on the day the sun enters the Sagittarius (Dhanu) zodiac sign.
- Holy Dip: Taking a dip in holy rivers is believed to purify the soul.
- Eco-Friendly Celebrations: Use natural materials for decorations and rituals to protect the environment.
FAQs about 2024 Dhanu Sankranti Date
Q: What is the significance of performing Dhanu Sankranti Pooja?
A: Performing Dhanu Sankranti Pooja is believed to bring prosperity, remove obstacles, and ensure success and happiness in one’s life.
Q: Can children participate in Dhanu Sankranti Pooja?
A: Yes, children can participate in the pooja to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu or the sun god.
Q: Is fasting mandatory on Dhanu Sankranti?
A: Fasting is not mandatory but is recommended to enhance the spiritual efficacy of the rituals.
Q: Can Dhanu Sankranti Pooja be performed at home?
A: Yes, Dhanu Sankranti Pooja can be performed at home if one follows the proper procedures and maintains purity.
Dhanu Sankranti is a festival that emphasizes devotion, purity, and the seeking of blessings from Lord Vishnu and the sun god. By following the prescribed rituals and practices, one can honor the deities and seek their blessings for a prosperous and harmonious life. Whether performed at home or in a temple, the key to a successful pooja is devotion and sincerity. Celebrate this Dhanu Sankranti with love and dedication to invite prosperity and happiness into your life. This is the brief information about the 2024 Dhanu Sankranti Date in detail.
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