
Kanya Sankranti will be observed on Thursday, 17 September 2026. It marks the day when Surya Dev moves from Simha Rashi (Leo) into Kanya Rashi (Virgo). The day is considered auspicious for Bhagwan Surya worship, charity, prayers, and other spiritual activities.
Kanya Sankranti marks the transition of Bhagwan Surya from Simha Rashi to Kanya Rashi. The word “Sankranti” denotes the movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. There are twelve Sankrantis in a year, as the Sun moves through all twelve zodiac signs. Kanya Sankranti is the sixth of these solar transitions.
Kanya Sankranti is known by different names in different regions. In the Tamil solar calendar, it marks the beginning of “Purattasi.” Meanwhile, in Kerala, it marks the beginning of “Kanni Masam.”
In Sanatan Dharma, Bhagwan Surya is revered as the source of “light, energy, health, and life.” Therefore, his transition into a new zodiac sign is seen as a time to begin a new phase with gratitude and discipline.
Kanya Sankranti is also associated with “Bhagwan Vishwakarma puja” in various Indian states. Bhagwan Vishwakarma is the divine architect, master craftsman, and patron deity of all artisans, engineers, and mechanics in Hinduism. Hence, he is worshipped by people whose work depends on tools, machines, and craftsmanship.
Kanya Sankranti does not have a single widely accepted story like festivals that are based on the birth or deeds of a particular deity or person. Its main significance comes from the movement of “Bhagwan Surya.”
But that’s not all, as Kanya Sankranti is also associated with the “birth anniversary” of Bhagwan Vishwakarma. As per Hindu scriptures, Bhagwan Vishwakarma sculpted and built the entire world at the command of “Bhagwan Brahma.” He is also believed to have constructed “Dwarka” (the Maya Sabha of the Pandavas) and several divine weapons for the other Bhagwans.
On Kanya Sankranti, devotees wake up early, take a bath in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari (if possible). Once the bath is completed, they wear clean clothes and then offer “Arghya” to Bhagwan Surya in the morning. Many also pray for health, strength, and well-being.
In Indian states where Bhagwan Vishwakarma puja is observed, factories, workshops, offices, and other workplaces perform/organise puja for their machines and tools and pray for smooth functioning, progress, and prosperity.
Daan (charity) is also considered an important part of Sankranti observances. Therefore devotees donate:
In 2026, Kanya Sankranti will be observed on 17 September (Thursday).
The Kanya Sankranti moment is at 07:58 AM.
The Punya Kaal will start at 07:58 AM and will end at 02:31 PM.
You can begin the day with a holy bath, offer Arghya to Surya Dev, pray, and donate food, clothes, grains, or other useful items to those in need.
The Maha Punya Kaal will start at 07:58 AM and will end at 10:01 AM.
On Kanya Sankranti, Bhagwan Surya moves from Leo to Virgo.