Dhanu Sankranti 2025: Punya Kaal Timings, Significance And Simple Rituals Many Devotees Still Follow

Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 8:40

Dhanu Sankranti in 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, December 16. It marks the Sun's transition into Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius), a movement that follows the solar calendar rather than the lunar one. That's why Sankranti dates remain fairly stable every year.

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Unlike festivals with elaborate celebrations, Dhanu Sankranti is typically low-key. For many households, it's about starting the day early, keeping rituals simple, and paying attention to everyday acts of faith.

Date And Timings For Dhanu Sankranti 2025

The Sun enters Dhanu Rashi in the early hours of December 16.

Sankranti moment: Around 4:27 am IST

Punya Kaal: Approximately 7:07 am to 12:17 pm

Maha Punya Kaal: Roughly 7:07 am to 8:50 am

Most people observe rituals during the Punya Kaal window. Even if the exact Sankranti moment occurs before sunrise, the day remains suitable for bathing, prayer, and charity.

What Dhanu Sankranti Represents

Dhanu Sankranti signals the beginning of Dhanu Maas, a month associated with restraint, reflection, and spiritual focus. In traditional belief, this phase encourages learning, discipline, and a sharper awareness of personal conduct rather than outward celebration. It also acts as a transition point, leading up to Makar Sankranti in January, which is more widely marked across India.

Common Rituals And Observances

On Dhanu Sankranti, devotees traditionally worship Lord Surya and Lord Vishnu. Surya Dev is honoured for his transition into Dhanu Rashi, which defines the Sankranti itself. Worship of Lord Vishnu is linked to the beginning of Dhanu Maas, a period associated with discipline, charity, and devotional practices in many Vaishnav traditions.

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Practices on Dhanu Sankranti include:

Lord Surya (Sun God) Worship

Dhanu Sankranti is closely linked to the worship of Lord Surya, as the day is defined by the Sun's movement into Dhanu Rashi. Devotees typically begin the day with a holy bath and offer Surya Arghya, pouring water to the rising Sun as a mark of reverence.

Surya Puja is commonly performed, with many chanting mantras such as Om Suryaya Namah or the Surya Gayatri. These practices reflect gratitude for vitality, clarity, and the sustaining force of the Sun.

Lord Vishnu Worship

Dhanu Sankranti also marks the beginning of Dhanu Maas, a period traditionally associated with devotion to Lord Vishnu. On this day, many devotees offer prayers to Vishnu alongside Surya worship.

Common practices include Vishnu Puja, offering tulsi leaves, and chanting Vishnu mantras. This aspect of the observance is linked to themes of discipline, charity, and spiritual focus that continue through the Dhanu Maas period.

Regional Observances And Cultural Links

In Odisha, Dhanu Sankranti coincides with Dhanu Yatra, a large-scale open-air cultural festival portraying stories from Lord Krishna's life. It's one of the few places where the day takes on a more public and theatrical form.

In other parts of the country, the day is marked for temple visits and home worship. In southern India, Dhanu Maas aligns with Margazhi traditions, which emphasise discipline, early rising, and devotional routines.

Why Dhanu Sankranti Still Holds Relevance

Dhanu Sankranti isn't about doing more. The focus stays on steady habits with time, attention and purpose.

For many families, this day reinforces the idea that spiritual practice can exist alongside routine life without disruption or display.

Dhanu Sankranti 2025, observed on December 16, highlights the fact that some moments are meant to be observed in peace. With its muhurat timings, simple customs, and emphasis on restraint and giving, the day fits naturally into daily life.