Solar New Year 2021: The Significance Of Mesha Sankranti
The solar new year is observed when the Sun enters the Aries sign. As we know, the lunar calendar is dependent on the position of the Moon. Similarly, the solar year can be identified considering the position of the Sun. Basically, it takes 365 days for Earth to complete its one revolution around the Sun. Whereas in a Lunar year, the Moon passes through each of its phases. This auspicious day is mainly celebrated in the southern parts of India. Alright, let us learn about the rituals and significance of this auspicious day.
Significance of Solar New Year
The solar new year begins when the celestial father, Sun, completes its Zodiac year. During this time, the Sun leaves Pisces sign to enter the first sign, Aries. The western astrology theories believe that the Sun remains in every 12 zodiac sign for around a month, i.e. 30 days.
This first day of the solar new year is commonly known a Mesha Sankranti. There is a great significance in celebrating this first day of the solar new year. People celebrate this festival with different names and in other ways throughout the country. For instance, the people of Odisha celebrated Pana Sankranti, it is also called Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Poila Baisakh in Bengal, Bihu in Assam, and Mesha Sankranti in the northern parts of the country.
The 10 minutes before Sankranti and 10 minutes after Sankranti are considered highly auspicious for starting new works. it is believed that prayers offered during this time may bring positive results or it may bring positive changes. The Sun is the significator of soul, pride, warmth, designation, father and respect. It is considered individuals’ souls wake up after a long sleep in the sign of Pisces to fill the body with every available rejuvenation and rise on the eastern horizon like an undefeated warrior.
There are a total of 12 Sankranti. On each Sankranti, people take a Holy dip, observe fast, chant various mantras, and perform Havan. They help poor people by donating food, clothes, and even money. Yellow and Red are considered the favourite of Surya Dev. So, people donate yellow-coloured clothes to the poors. According to the Bhagavad Geeta, one should help poor people for good karma. Thus, this day holds an important place.
Steps For Performing Rituals
Below are the steps one must consider while performing rituals on Mesha Sankranti
- You should wake up early in the morning and take a bath before sunrise in the holy rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and others
- After that, you should offer Jal (water) from a pot to Surya Dev and Do Surya Namaskar
- You should perform puja or ritual on a Punya Kaal Muhurat
- Thereafter, you should distribute prasad to everyone
- Mostly, people give prasad of Aam Panna
- Chant various mantras, devotional songs, and strotas of Lord Surya Dev. One of the most important devotional mantras of Surya Dev that one should chant is “Om Grehini Suryaya Namaha!”.
- Make donation of clothes, food, and even money to the poor and needy
- Donating red and yellow color clothes or food is considered auspicious
- You must prepare satvik bhojan on this day
- Seek Blessings from the Sun
- Also bow down to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Lord Vishnu, and Maa Kali for good health, peace of mind, and prosperity
Astrological Concept Behind Solar New Year
The SunSun is a prominent planet in terms of astronomy. In fact, the entire western astrology system works on its position. And therefore, it is safe to say that the Sun is the backbone of astrology. Many astrologers organize Yagna on this day to please the Lord Surya Dev. There are a total of twelve Sankranti that take place over the time of a year. Each of the twelve Sankranti holds equal significance. Solar New Year has great significance to astrologers and pandits as they make predictions of the upcoming year. Some of the astrologers and pandits also use Solar year to prepare Kundali. Also, it states the importance of each date and time of the Hindu Calendar.
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Date And Muhurat For Solar New Year
In 2021, the Solar New Year will be celebrated on 14th April. The important timings to be considered for Mesha Sankranti are as below:
- Date: 14th April 2021
- Punya Kaal Muhurat: From 6:10 AM to 12:27 PM
- Maha Punya Kaal Muhurat: From 6:10 AM to 8.15 AM
Summing Up
We found that Solar New Year is considered the most auspicious and important day for the Hindus. Solar calendars follow various laws to mark the first day of the year depending upon the Sankranti’s precise time. It is the best time to visit Puri Jagannath, Samaleshwari, Cuttack Chandi, and Biraja temples to seek the blessings of God.
It is said that on this day, Surya Dev removes the darkness from your life and light up your dark world. One can get rid of all the sins by doing Seva or charity activities on this day. This day and month are considered very holy to have your astrology chart analyzed. May this Solar New Year give you all good luck, better Health, and desired wealth.