Mithuna Sankranti 2024: Date, Time, Rituals, and Celebrations

IN SHORT 
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Sunrise : 5:45 A.M.
Sunset: 07:09 p.m.
Moment of Sankranti: 12:28 AM
Punya Kaal Muhurta between 05:45 and 12:27
Maha Punya Kaal Muhurta: Thursday, May 45–May 59
Celebrations: Devotees offer alms, fast, and perform pujas for Lord Vishnu and Bhudevi.
Significance: Denotes the beginning of the agricultural year and the Sun's passage into Mithuna Rashi.

In Hindu tradition, Mithuna Sankranti, also called Raja Parba, Asharh, Aani, Mithunam month, and Mithun Sankramanam, is a highly respected event. This event, which falls on June 15, 2024, celebrates the sun’s entry into the Mithuna (Gemini) nakshatra and the start of Odisha’s agricultural year. This holy day is joyfully and passionately observed in honor of Lord Vishnu and Bhudevi, the Goddess of Earth.

Date and Time of Mithuna Sankranti 2024

• Date: June 15, 2024 (Saturday)
• Sunrise: 05:45 AM
• Sunset: 07:09 PM
• Sankranti Moment: 12:28 AM
• Punya Kaal Muhurta: 05:45 AM to 12:27 PM
• Maha Punya Kaal Muhurta: 05:45 AM to 07:59 AM

Preparing the Puja Vidhi for Mithuna Sankranti:

1. Preparation:
   • After cleaning your home thoroughly, decorate the puja area with lovely rangoli designs and fresh flowers.
   • Create an altar and adorn it with statues or pictures of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Bhudevi..
2. Executing the Puja:
   • Morning customs:
     • To begin your day, take a bath and put on clean, business-casual clothes.
     • Offer your prayers to the Sun God at dawn.
   • Principal Puja:
     • Light a lamp and a burning stick.
     • Offer your prayers to Bhudevi and Lord Vishnu.
     • Give the gods offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers.
     • Offer family members prasad after performing aarti.
   • Special Rituals:
     • Place a specific pooja on the grinding stone and decorate it with a Mother Earth symbol.
     • In honor of the God of the Sun, fast.
     • As part of your philanthropic activities, give alms to those who are in need.
3. Temple Tour:
   • Go to a nearby temple that honors Lord Vishnu and Bhudevi, or, if you can, spend the day at the renowned Jagannath temple in Odisha.

Significance of Mithuna Sankranti

The sun moves from Vrishabha Rashi (Taurus) to Mithuna Rashi (Gemini) on Mithuna Sankranti. In Vedic astrology, the time frame known as Surya Gochar is deemed significant. It is said that the sun’s transits have great astrological implications, which makes it a favorable time to carry out particular pujas and rites.

This event, which marks the beginning of the monsoon season and the fertility of the ground, marks the beginning of the agricultural year in Odisha. Farmers should be happy about this and get ready for the planting season.

Regional Celebrations

• Eastern India: is known as Asharh.
• Southern India: is celebrated as Aani.
• Kerala: is referred to as Mithunam Onth.
• Odisha: Known as Raja Parba, it is particularly revered and celebrated with great fervor.

Mithuna Sankranti is a day of prayers, fasting, and charity to honor Mother Earth and the Sun God. It also marks the start of the agricultural year. Let us embrace the spiritual and cultural depth of Mithuna Sankranti as we celebrate this auspicious day on June 15, 2024, and ask for blessings for prosperity, harmony, and spiritual fulfillment.

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