Kumbha Sankranti कुंभ संक्रांती
The Sun enters the Pot - a dawn dip at the sacred confluence.
- Sun enters
- Kumbha (Aquarius)
- Around
- mid-February
- Ayana
- Uttarayana (northward)
- Worship
- Surya (the Sun)
Significance
Kumbha Sankranti marks the Sun's entry into Kumbha (Aquarius). It is kept chiefly as a day of holy bathing and charity, held especially auspicious for a dip at the sacred river confluences such as the Sangam at Prayagraj.
How it is observed
Devotees bathe at dawn in the Ganga, Yamuna and other holy rivers, offer water to the Sun and give alms. In Kumbh and Magh Mela years it is one of the bathing days that draw pilgrims to the riverbanks.
The Sun’s course
Kumbha Sankranti falls in the Sun’s Uttarayana - its northward, brighter half of the year. The year’s two turning points are Makar Sankranti (the turn to Uttarayana, mid-January) and Karka Sankranti (the turn to Dakshinayana, mid-July). See the full Sankranti guide for all twelve solar ingresses of the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kumbha Sankranti?
Kumbha Sankranti marks the Sun's entry into Kumbha (Aquarius). It is kept chiefly as a day of holy bathing and charity, held especially auspicious for a dip at the sacred river confluences such as the Sangam at Prayagraj.
When is Kumbha Sankranti in Mumbai, MH?
Kumbha Sankranti falls in mid-February; the next one for Mumbai, MH is on 13 February 2027. Being set by the solar calendar, its date barely shifts from year to year.
Which sign does the Sun enter on Kumbha Sankranti?
On Kumbha Sankranti the Sun leaves the previous sign and enters Kumbha (Aquarius), the eleventh sign of the zodiac. This falls in the Sun's Uttarayana (northward) course.
How is Kumbha Sankranti observed?
Devotees bathe at dawn in the Ganga, Yamuna and other holy rivers, offer water to the Sun and give alms. In Kumbh and Magh Mela years it is one of the bathing days that draw pilgrims to the riverbanks.
Last updated 26 July 2026