Know the details about the 2024 Meena Sankranti Date Pooja Timings Vidhanam Process, Meena Sankranti Date 2024 Pooja Procedure Timings
Meena Sankranti 2024: A Deep Dive Into the Hindu Festival
Introduction
Meena Sankranti, a significant occasion in the Hindu calendar, marks the transit of the sun into the Pisces zodiac sign or ‘Meena Rashi’. Celebrated with immense faith and devotion, this festival signifies the beginning of the twelfth and final lunar month according to the Hindu solar calendar. In 2024, Meena Sankranti will be observed on Thursday, March 14th.
2024 Meena Sankranti Date Pooja Timings Vidhanam Process
Significance of Meena Sankranti
In Hindu culture, the transition of the sun from one zodiac sign to another is of great spiritual significance and is termed as ‘Sankranti’. Meena Sankranti, being the last in the annual cycle, holds a special place. It is believed that performing sacred rituals on this day can lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Pooja Timings for Meena Sankranti 2024
On March 14, 2024, the auspicious time or ‘Muhurta’ for observing Meena Sankranti rituals will begin at 12:46 PM. Devotees are encouraged to perform the rituals during this period to maximize their benefits. The ‘Sankranti Karana’ for this day is ‘Balava’, adding further sanctity to the occasion.
Pooja Vidhi and Rituals
The rituals performed on Meena Sankranti vary across different regions of India, but the common thread is prayer, charity, and bathing in holy rivers. Here’s a general guideline on how to perform the pooja:
- Early Morning Bath: Begin the day by taking a holy bath before sunrise. It is considered auspicious to bathe in a river, but if that’s not possible, adding a few drops of Ganga Jal to your bath water is a good substitute.
- Prayers and Offerings: After cleansing, perform prayers to the Sun God and offer water, flowers, and ‘Akshat’ (unbroken rice). Light a ‘Deepak’ (lamp) and incense sticks.
- Charity: On this day, it is considered extremely meritorious to donate food, clothes, or money to the needy. Feeding Brahmins and offering ‘Dakshina’ (monetary gift) can also bring blessings.
- Fasting: Some devotees observe a fast on Meena Sankranti. The fast begins at sunrise and ends after offering prayers to the moon in the evening.
Things to Know about Meena Sankranti
While Meena Sankranti is observed all over India, the celebrations are particularly grand in the states of Orissa and Bengal. In Orissa, it is known as ‘Dola Purnima’ and a vibrant procession of Lord Jagannath is taken out on this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the significance of Sankranti Karana?
- The ‘Sankranti Karana’ refers to the lunar half-day during which Meena Sankranti falls. It is believed to influence the spiritual benefits gained from the rituals performed.
2. Why is charity important on Meena Sankranti?
- Charity or ‘Daan’ is considered a noble act in Hinduism. On Meena Sankranti, it is believed that acts of charity yield manifold rewards and help cleanse past sins.
3. Can everyone observe Meena Sankranti rituals?
- Yes, all devout Hindus, irrespective of their age or gender, can participate in the observance of Meena Sankranti.
Celebrating Meena Sankranti is a spiritual journey that combines faith, tradition, and the anticipation of a new beginning. So mark your calendars for March 14, 2024, and prepare to welcome the blessings and prosperity that Meena Sankranti promises to bring.