Tula Sankranti तुला संक्रांती
The Sun enters the Scales - pilgrims bathe at the sacred Kaveri.
- Sun enters
- Tula (Libra)
- Around
- mid-October
- Ayana
- Dakshinayana (southward)
- Worship
- Surya (the Sun)
Significance
Tula Sankranti brings the Sun into Tula (Libra). It is marked by holy bathing at sacred rivers - most famously the Kaveri, whose source at Talakaveri draws pilgrims for Tula Sankramana - and by harvest and cattle rites across the east and north-east.
How it is observed
In Karnataka pilgrims bathe at the Kaveri's source; in Assam Kati Bihu lights earthen lamps in the fields and before the tulsi plant to guard the ripening paddy; in Odisha the day honours the young rice crop as a form of Lakshmi. Bathing and charity are common throughout.
The Sun’s course
Tula 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 Tula Sankranti?
Tula Sankranti brings the Sun into Tula (Libra). It is marked by holy bathing at sacred rivers - most famously the Kaveri, whose source at Talakaveri draws pilgrims for Tula Sankramana - and by harvest and cattle rites across the east and north-east.
When is Tula Sankranti in Mumbai, MH?
Tula Sankranti falls in mid-October; the next one for Mumbai, MH is on 18 October 2026. Being set by the solar calendar, its date barely shifts from year to year.
Which sign does the Sun enter on Tula Sankranti?
On Tula Sankranti the Sun leaves the previous sign and enters Tula (Libra), the seventh sign of the zodiac. This falls in the Sun's Dakshinayana (southward) course.
How is Tula Sankranti observed?
In Karnataka pilgrims bathe at the Kaveri's source; in Assam Kati Bihu lights earthen lamps in the fields and before the tulsi plant to guard the ripening paddy; in Odisha the day honours the young rice crop as a form of Lakshmi. Bathing and charity are common throughout.
Last updated 26 July 2026