Simha Sankranti सिंह संक्रांती
The Sun enters its own sign - Kerala opens the month of Onam.
- Sun enters
- Simha (Leo)
- Around
- mid-August
- Ayana
- Dakshinayana (southward)
- Worship
- Surya (the Sun)
Significance
Simha Sankranti brings the Sun into Simha (Leo) - the sign the Sun itself rules, so this ingress into its own house is held especially auspicious. In Kerala it opens Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam year and the season of Onam.
How it is observed
It is a day of Surya worship, holy bathing and charity. In Kerala the new month of Chingam begins with the fresh harvest and the build-up to Onam; in other regions the Sun is honoured in his own sign with dawn offerings of water and light.
The Sun’s course
Simha Sankranti falls in the Sun’s Dakshinayana - its southward, inward 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 Simha Sankranti?
Simha Sankranti brings the Sun into Simha (Leo) - the sign the Sun itself rules, so this ingress into its own house is held especially auspicious. In Kerala it opens Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam year and the season of Onam.
When is Simha Sankranti in Mumbai, MH?
Simha Sankranti falls in mid-August; the next one for Mumbai, MH is on 17 August 2026. Being set by the solar calendar, its date barely shifts from year to year.
Which sign does the Sun enter on Simha Sankranti?
On Simha Sankranti the Sun leaves the previous sign and enters Simha (Leo), the fifth sign of the zodiac. This falls in the Sun's Dakshinayana (southward) course.
How is Simha Sankranti observed?
It is a day of Surya worship, holy bathing and charity. In Kerala the new month of Chingam begins with the fresh harvest and the build-up to Onam; in other regions the Sun is honoured in his own sign with dawn offerings of water and light.
Last updated 26 July 2026