Tula Sankranti on Oct 17: Sun enters Libra at 7.57 pm, auspicious time for bathing and charity noon to 5.50 pm
Per the Panchang, the Sun leaves Virgo for Libra at 7.57 pm on Saturday; the auspicious window for bathing and charity runs from 12.06 pm to 5.50 pm.
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Tula Sankranti falls on Saturday, October 17. According to the Panchang, the Sun will move out of Virgo (Kanya) and enter Libra (Tula) on this day. The Sun's entry will take place at 7.57 pm.
In astrology, a change of the Sun's sign is considered important. When the Sun moves from one zodiac sign to another, it is called Sankranti. There are 12 such Sankrantis in a year, and Tula Sankranti is one of them.
In Hinduism, the day of Sankranti is considered special for religious observances. Sankranti is linked with charity and good deeds. According to religious belief, worship of the Sun god, bathing and giving to the needy carry special significance on this day. On the occasion, people bathe in sacred rivers and offer water to the Sun god.
The auspicious time for bathing and charity is from 12.06 pm to 5.50 pm, a span of roughly 5 hours 43 minutes. Bathing and giving charity during this period is considered auspicious.
According to religious belief, bathing in a sacred river and helping the needy earns merit. Those who cannot go to a river or a pilgrimage site can perform the rituals at home during the Punyakal or Mahapunyakal.
For the worship, one should bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes. Then water should be offered to the Sun god, he should be remembered, and prayers offered for the happiness and well-being of the family. Religious tradition recommends using a copper vessel to offer the water. One should pray with a calm mind and devotion.
As charity, rice, wheat, pulses, fruits, clothes or foodgrains can be given according to one's means. If possible, food may be given to the needy, or charity given according to one's capacity. In giving, the spirit of helping the needy matters more than show.
