Mithuna Sankranti मिथुन संक्रांती
The monsoon nears - Odisha honours the Earth's renewal as Raja Parba.
- Sun enters
- Mithuna (Gemini)
- Around
- mid-June
- Ayana
- Uttarayana (northward)
- Worship
- Surya (the Sun)
Significance
Mithuna Sankranti brings the Sun into Mithuna (Gemini) as the monsoon nears. In Odisha it is celebrated as Raja Parba, a three-to-four day festival that honours the Earth's fertility and welcomes the coming rains.
How it is observed
During Raja Parba the Earth is believed to take her period of rest and renewal: farming pauses, women and girls set aside their chores, swing on decorated rope swings and enjoy pithas (rice cakes). Elsewhere the day is kept with the customary solar bathing and charity.
The Sun’s course
Mithuna 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 Mithuna Sankranti?
Mithuna Sankranti brings the Sun into Mithuna (Gemini) as the monsoon nears. In Odisha it is celebrated as Raja Parba, a three-to-four day festival that honours the Earth's fertility and welcomes the coming rains.
When is Mithuna Sankranti in Mumbai, MH?
Mithuna Sankranti falls in mid-June; the next one for Mumbai, MH is on 15 June 2027. Being set by the solar calendar, its date barely shifts from year to year.
Which sign does the Sun enter on Mithuna Sankranti?
On Mithuna Sankranti the Sun leaves the previous sign and enters Mithuna (Gemini), the third sign of the zodiac. This falls in the Sun's Uttarayana (northward) course.
How is Mithuna Sankranti observed?
During Raja Parba the Earth is believed to take her period of rest and renewal: farming pauses, women and girls set aside their chores, swing on decorated rope swings and enjoy pithas (rice cakes). Elsewhere the day is kept with the customary solar bathing and charity.
Last updated 26 July 2026