Puthandu, Baisakhi & the Spirit of Mesha Sankranti

Mesha (Aries) is the first zodiac sign in the list of Zodiacs. This festival is related to this sign in a person’s astrological birth chart. Sankranti translates to the sun’s transition into the Aries Zodiac from the Pisces (Meen) Zodiac sign. According to Vedic Astrology, the transitions are natural. But those occur during the Vishakha month as per Hindu Panchanga commences the start of this festival (Mesha Sankranti). People celebrate as the start of a new year or a new beginning. 

The religious story behind the celebration of Mesha Sankranti

Bhavishya Purana states that Surya Devta rode on his chariot on this day. Bhrama Devta himself designed this beautiful chariot. Effortlessly. Pulled by seven horses. These seven horses demonstrate the seven weeks of a day. Arjuna himself drives as the Sarathy of Sun God. Along with Surya Devta two Rishis, two Apsaras, two Rakshas, two Adityas, two Gandarvas and two Nagas rode together.

Here are the names of each one of them who travelled with Surya Dev for two long months.

Mentions in other Vedic Texts

Ancient scripts such as Arya Siddhanta and Surya Siddhanta mention the exact duration of the Sun’s transition into the Mesh Rashi. 

One can also read about the importance of Mesh Sankashti in the Vedanga Jyotishi. The book translates this phenomenon as an important Solar Event. 

Various significance of Mesha Sankranti

Spiritual Importance

People visit holy places like Mathura, Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Kashi and Haridwar and take a dip into the River Ganga. People from around the corners of the country seek the blessing of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is believed that taking a bath in the holy water of the river Ganga helps one to get rid of all the past and present life bad karmas(sins). 

Apart from this performing special rituals during Mesha Sankranti helps bring inner peace and mental clarity to the mind. A person can get good emotional assistance along with physical health benefits. A day devoted to strengthening willpower as well as increasing an individual’s confidence and determination. 

Connection of Mesha Sankranti and Indian Yoga

Performing meditations and yoga on this day can help oneself get in touch with the higher cosmic vibrations. Learning and promoting different yogic asanas and pranayam is beneficial on this day. Doing this will promote mental clarity and bring solace. It is very important to maintain the lifelong tradition of performing yoga and meditation on this auspicious day of Mesha Sankranti.

Astrological point of view and predictions

Aries is the fire element and represents the energy of the sun. It signifies power and energy. The transition of the sun into this zodiac sign can lead to certain astrological gains and losses. Some of these predictions are as follows:

1. People can suffer from problems such as respiratory illness, colds and cough.
2. Possibility of facing famines due to lack of rainfall on the earth.
3. High chances of Burglaries and thefts in nearby areas. 
4. Nations can fight against each other leading to global war.

The social significance of Mesha Sankranti

On Mesh Sankranti, people must increase their social interaction with the people in their lives. For example family, friends and relatives as this will promote harmony, peace and understanding. On the other hand, it can strengthen relationships and bring unity and love in families and also make bonds stronger between each other. 

Significance according to Sanatan Dharma

In our Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Traditions)  it is believed that worshipping the Sun God during this day can help remove all the obstacles in life. It is said to bring in good luck, fame, power, prosperity and enhance growth. This transition depicts the arrival of positivity and can increase personal growth. 

Flaunting folk cultural tradition on Mesha Sankranti

Various folk dances and music festivals are organised in different part of India on this very day. People gather together and sing traditional music. Folk dances help boost our cultural heritage. Special traditional sweet dishes like Khichadi and sesame ladu (ball) are prepared in some parts of the country. 

Subh Muhurat of Mesha Sankranti 2025 Celebrations

Read the details about the auspicious timing for celebrating Mesha Sankranti as follows:

Performing rituals, poojas and havana at home during the Punya Kalam and Maha Punya Kalam is considered to bring good fortune.

Rituals and Poojas done on Mesha Sankranti 2025

Get up early in the morning before sunrise. Offer Jal to Surya Devta with a bit of jaggery for good luck by chanting ॐ सूर्य देवाय नमः II mantra. Take Ganga and Yamuna snan. Lit small diyas made of desi ghee. Offer homage and prayers to Kuldevta. 

Poojas and Havana are offered during this special day. Worship Maa Kali, Lord Vishnu. Lord Shiva and Hanuman Ji on Mesha Sankranti. Prepare Aam Panna a traditional drink made of mango pulp.

Remedies to perform during the Mesha Sankranti 2025

To lessen various astrological impacts on personal and professional life due to the transition of the sun into the Mesha Rashi. One can follow some of these remedies:

• Recite Hanuman Chalisa, Gayatri Mantra and Hridayam Stotram. 
• Give water with Araghya, whole grains and red flowers to the Sun God in a copper vessel at sunrise.
•  Donate clothes, money and household goods to needy people and beggars.
• Give away old clothes to poor people.
• Observe fast and do pooja archana.
• Eat clean Satvik food and include fruits and milk products in your diet.
• Along with it give away silver, wheat and jaggery. 
• Organize huge bhandara and feast outside temple premises.
• Do Bhraman Bhojan and give Dakshina.
• Wear red clothes on this day.

Solar New Year celebrations all around India

People enjoy this festival by preparing delicious food and offering it to god. Let us see how different states celebrate this auspicious day of Mesha Sankranti.

1. Tamil Nadu: 

It is magical to see how the festival changes its course according to sunrise and sunset. For example, if the sun’s transition occurs before sunset and after sunrise then the solar New Year is observed on that very day. In case, Sankranti occurs after sunset then the new year falls on the next day. Another name for mesh sankranti is Puthandu in Tamil Nadu. The House entrance is decorated with mango leaves. A feast is prepared and a platter full of vegetables, fruits, neem leaves, cash and jewellery is kept in front of a mirror.

2. Kerala

Mesha Sankranthi is celebrated as Vishu in Kerala. As per the Malayalam calendar, sunrise and sunset are divided into five different parts. If Sankranti falls on the first three parts then the same day is celebrated as Vishu otherwise next day is celebrated as their new year. People burst crackers and young children receive Vishu Kaineetam (money) as gifts. Vishu Kani is an eye-appealing. A plate is decorated with attractive jewellery, a mirror with yellow flowers, raw rice, coins, vegetables and fruits. Vishu Sadhya is prepared comprising a total of 52 to 55 food elements.

3. Odisha

If Sankranti occurs before midnight then the next day is the first day of the Pana Sankranti. People prepare a traditional dish made of raw mango pulp called “Panna”. Panna depicts rain. Hence, this dish is made with rock sugar and water. 

Other foods that are consumed in this day are grains, wheat, curd, banana and gram flour. A traditional dance known as danch naach is also performed on this day.

4. Punjab

Baisakhi or Vaishakh is a religious festival for peasants and farmers. On this day people from Punjab pray to god for all the harvest and grains and thank Mother Nature for her immense love. 

Conclusion

Mesha Sankranti is a very sacred day. It is recommended to do daan-punya on this auspicious day to maintain a healthy life. Our vedic text says that 10 minutes before and after Sankranti is suitable for charity and donations. A festival that you can start with new energy and positive feelings in mind. Forget all the fights and start a new life on this day. Seek Surya Bhagwan’s blessing and pray for the removal of darkness and fill life with light and happiness.