In Sanatan Dharma, each Sankranti holds its own spiritual significance, but Mesha Sankranti is considered extremely virtuous and auspicious. This sacred festival arrives when the Sun, the king of planets, leaves Pisces and enters Aries.
In many places, it is also known as Satua Sankranti, Satuan, or Satula Sankranti. This auspicious occasion of Satua Sankranti is also an auspicious time for charity, bathing, worship, and the beginning of new energy.
It is believed that worshipping Lord Narayana and the Sun God with proper rituals on this day, and donating Sattu, water, and seasonal items to Brahmins and the poor, helpless, and needy people, removes poverty from life and brings happiness and prosperity to the home.
Like every year, Mesha or Satua Sankranti will be celebrated on April 14th.
According to astrology and religious scriptures, when the Sun enters Aries, it is considered the Sun’s entry into its exalted sign. Aries is considered the Sun’s exalted sign, making this day a symbol of brilliance, energy, health, and auspiciousness.
This day is also celebrated as the New Year in many parts of the country. In Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and Bengal, this date marks the beginning of the New Year. This festival signifies changes in nature, seasonal changes, and newness in life.
Religious belief holds that donations made on this day bestow eternal virtue and satisfy the souls of ancestors.
According to mythology, when Lord Vishnu defeated King Bali, he first consumed Sattu. Therefore, donating Sattu and eating Sattu on Mesha Sankranti holds special significance.
Offering Sattu and Tulsi leaves to Lord Narayana on this day is considered highly auspicious. Doing so brings peace and happiness to the home and alleviates financial difficulties.
It is said that Sattu offered with devotion on this day is dear to the Lord and brings prosperity and health to the devotee.
On the day of Mesh Sankranti, waking up early in the morning during Brahma Muhurta and bathing in the Ganges or any holy river is considered highly virtuous. If a river bath is not possible, bathing at home by mixing Ganga water with the bathwater can be done at home.
After bathing, one should offer Arghya to the Sun God. Put water, red flowers, whole grains, and a little jaggery in a copper pot and offer it while chanting Surya mantras. By the grace of the Sun God, one attains fame, health, self-confidence, and respect in life.
Donation holds special significance on this day. Especially since the summer season has begun, donating items that provide coolness and satisfaction is considered auspicious. Donate the following items to Brahmins and the needy on this day:
Sattu is the main donation item for this festival. Donating it to the poor, Brahmins, or the needy destroys sins and pleases the gods.
Donating an earthen pot filled with water is considered highly virtuous. It is believed that this satisfies the ancestors and brings peace to the home.
Donating a hand fan or other useful cool items is considered auspicious to provide relief from the heat.
Jaggery is considered dear to the Sun God. Donating it brings sweetness and auspiciousness to life.
Donating wood apple, watermelon, melon, raw mango, and other cool fruits on this day is considered highly virtuous.
Religious belief holds that donating a pot full of water on Mesha Sankranti satisfies the souls of ancestors. This day is especially significant for families suffering from Pitru Dosh or unrest. The blessings of ancestors bring happiness and prosperity to the home.
Furthermore, donating a pot full of water on this day strengthens the Moon’s position in the horoscope, enhancing mental peace, stability, and tranquility in life. A strong Moon brings a happy mind and improved decision-making.
Auspicious activities begin with Mesha Sankranti, marking the beginning of marriages, Upanayana ceremonies, housewarming ceremonies, and other auspicious events. Therefore, this festival is extremely important not only from a religious perspective, but also from a family and social perspective.
Mesha Sankranti is a sacred occasion for charity, virtue, worship, and new beginnings. On this day, worship the Sun God and Lord Narayana with devotion, take a bath in the Ganges, and donate Sattu, water, fruits, and other cool items.
Question: When is Sattu Sankranti or Mesh Sankranti?
Answer: Sattu Sankranti will be celebrated on April 14th.
Question: Why is Mesha Sankranti called Sattu Sankranti?
Answer: Donating and consuming Sattu on this day holds special significance. According to religious belief, offering Sattu to Lord Narayana is considered auspicious, hence it is also called Sattu Sankranti.
Question: What items should be donated on Mesha Sankranti?
Answer: Donating Sattu, a pot filled with water, jaggery, a fan, vine, watermelon, melon, and other seasonal fruits on this day is considered extremely virtuous.
Question: What are the benefits of donating on Sattu Sankranti?
Answer: It is believed that donating on this day destroys sins, satisfies ancestors and brings happiness in life. B-Prosperity and wealth increase.