Understanding The Cultural Significance Of Solar New Year In India

By Jenna Jolie

Solar New Year in India is being celebrated in India. Let’s see what is this special festival and its meaning. 

India, a country in South Asia with its stunning landscapes and unique culture, has been a favorite tourist spot for many travelers. Holiday-makers come to this country to enjoy awe-inspiring spectacles, while culture buff love traveling to India to uncover its ancient civilization. 

The most important factor that sets Indian culture apart is its history's depth and richness. Its ancient texts and scriptures have shaped the way of life in India for thousands of years and continue to inspire and guide the people today. When in this incredible land, tourists will have ample opportunities to explore the magic of India's unique customs and immerse themselves in various amazing festivals there. 

What Is Solar New Year In India?

Sankranti, also known as the Solar New Year, is an important and auspicious day for Hindus in India. In addition to marking the beginning of the Hindu solar calendar, it also signifies the commencement of the summer season. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the solar cycle when the sun enters the Aries or Mesha Rashi, which usually falls on or around April 14th solar calendar date. The day is also known as Mesha Sankranti and is considered to be a time of new beginnings and fresh starts.

On this day, devotees often visit sacred places like Puri Jagannath, Samaleshwari, Cuttack Chandi, and Biraja temples to seek blessings from the gods. In many states of India, Solar New Year is known by different names, such as Maha Vishuva Sankranti, and is celebrated in various forms. The festival is a time of great joy and is marked by feasting, family gatherings, and various customs and rituals that are performed to ensure a prosperous and fruitful year ahead.

Solar New Year is an important and auspicious day for Hindus in India

When Does This Event Happen?

This year, Solar New Year in India happens on April 14th. The beginning of the solar year in India is marked by the sun reaching a specific point in the ecliptic, known as Mesha, which is a constellation of stars. The solar year comes to an end when the sun reaches this same point after completing a full revolution, which involves traveling through 360 degrees along the ecliptic.

The Solar calendar is always used by Pandits and Astrologers. Therefore, the Solar New Year is an important day for them and is officially celebrated.

How Is Solar New Year Celebrated?

Solar Calendar New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India. The celebrations and customs may vary slightly depending on the region, but the festival is generally marked by several common traditions.

On the day of the Solar New Year, people wake up early, before sunrise, and take a ritual bath in Ganga, Jamuna and Godavari. After that, devotees perform Surya Namaskar and offer Jal (water) to Surya Dev. During the Solar New Year in India, it is essential to perform all the rituals of Sankranti during the Punya Kaal Muhurat. Devotees from all communities follow these rituals and chant mantras and slokas on this auspicious day, with the most commonly chanted mantra being “Om Grehini Suryaya Namaha!”. 

Solar Calendar New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India

In many places, people majorly worship Lord Shiva, Hanuman, Vishnu, and the goddess Kali with their wish for well-being, prosperity, and peace. Satvik food, including fruits, juice, nuts, and other items, is mainly served to devotees in the Solar New Year event. In some communities, a special drink called Panna is prepared and consumed as prasad after the puja. 

Last but no less critical, it is believed that doing charity on this day brings blessings, so devotees donate food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy. Especially, donating red and yellow clothes is considered strongly advised as they symbolize the color of the Sun. Additionally, performing personal rituals on this day can help individuals eliminate the ill effects of negative planets.

Hope that the article above provides you with the most useful information about Solar New Year in India. It’s time to celebrate the Solar New Year and Mesha Sankranti! Apply for an Indian visa today and get a ticket to enjoy this special event in India. Not only that, don’t forget to check out The Top List of Must-Visit Tourism Pilgrimage Destinations in India if it suits your travel itinerary. Indian Immigration Services will accompany you during your journey to this beautiful land.