Simha Sankranti 2026 will be observed on Monday, August 17, marking the Sun's transition from Karka Rashi (Cancer) to Simha Rashi (Leo). The occasion is one of the 12 Sankranti observed during the year and holds particular religious significance in several parts of southern India.

According to the Panchang timings provided for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Sankranti moment will occur at 7:54 AM on August 17. The Punya Kaal will begin at 6:07 AM and continue until the Sankranti moment. The more auspicious Maha Punya Kaal will be observed from 7:30 AM to 7:54 AM.

The Sun will enter Simha Rashi at 7:54 AM on Monday. Devotees planning religious activities can observe the Punya Kaal during the morning hours.

For Ujjain, the important timings are:

Simha Sankranti: 7:54 AM
Punya Kaal: 6:07 AM to 7:54 AM
Maha Punya Kaal: 7:30 AM to 7:54 AM
Sunrise: 6:07 AM
Sunset: 6:54 PM
Moonrise: 10:17 AM
Moonset: 9:50 PM

These timings are location-specific and can vary slightly depending on the city.

What Is Simha Sankranti?

Sankranti refers to the Sun's transition from one zodiac sign to another. Simha Sankranti occurs when the Sun moves from Karka Rashi into Simha Rashi.

The festival is observed across different parts of India with regional variations. It has particular importance in southern states, where it is associated with the beginning of important calendar months.

Simha Sankranti marks the beginning of Chingam month in the Malayalam calendar, Avani in the Tamil calendar and Bhadra in the Bengali calendar.

Religious Significance

Simha Sankranti is associated with the worship of Surya Dev, Lord Vishnu and Lord Narasimha. Devotees offer prayers, flowers, fruits and sweets and recite religious mantras as part of the observance.

Holy bathing, known as Punya Snan, is also considered an important practice on Sankranti days. Devotees in different regions visit temples and sacred water bodies to perform religious rituals.

Puja and Rituals

Several rituals are traditionally associated with Simha Sankranti. Devotees may begin the day with a holy bath before offering prayers to the Sun God.

Coconut abhishekam is performed in some traditions using fresh coconut water. Lord Ganesha is also worshipped before the main puja in certain regions.

Flowers, fruits and sweets are offered to deities, while prayers and mantras are recited seeking prosperity and divine blessings.

In parts of coastal Karnataka, temples dedicated to Lord Vishnumurthy conduct special rituals during this period. Similar religious observances are also held in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Regional Celebrations

Simha Sankranti is celebrated with particular enthusiasm in southern India. The occasion is also observed in parts of the Kumaon region with traditional practices.

In Kerala, the beginning of the Chingam month is significant as it marks an important point in the Malayalam calendar. Tamil Nadu observes the transition as the beginning of Avani, while the Bengali calendar associates the period with the Bhadra month.

The customs and scale of celebration vary from one region to another.

Importance of Punya Kaal

Sankranti is traditionally considered an appropriate period for religious activities, charity and spiritual practices. Devotees may use the Punya Kaal for prayers, Surya worship, meditation, holy bathing and charitable activities according to their family and regional traditions.

For those following the Ujjain Panchang, the Maha Punya Kaal between 7:30 AM and 7:54 AM provides the most specific auspicious window listed for Simha Sankranti 2026.

As with other Panchang timings, devotees in other cities should check the local sunrise and Sankranti timings before planning rituals, as the exact timings can differ based on geographical location.