The Sun makes twelve big moves in a year, one for each zodiac sign. Each of these moves is called a Sankranti, and each one feels a little different. Simha Sankranti is when the Sun walks into Simha Rashi (Leo). Leo is the king of the zodiac. It is all about confidence, leadership, self-respect, and remembering where you come from.  Simha Sankranti is special in its own way, especially if you are in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, or Odisha.

Date and Time for Simha Sankranti 2025

Festival Date: Sunday, 17 August 2025

Sankranti Moment: 6:41 am (IST)

Punya Kaal Muhurta: 06:03 am to 12:16 pm (6 hours 13 minutes)

Maha Punya Kaal: 06:03 am to 08:08 am (2 hours 4 minutes)

This is the golden window for prayers, charity, and anything you want the heavens to really notice.

Why it matters spiritually and astrologically

In Vedic astrology, the Sun owns Leo. When it comes home, it shines its brightest, it is a time to feel sure of yourself, take the lead, and live with purpose. This is the season for:

• Looking inwards and figuring out what you are actually good at.

• Balancing pride with kindness and being strong without stepping on anyone.

• Leveling up spiritually and going deeper in your meditation or prayers.

• It also quietly kicks off the spiritual prep for Pitru Paksha and the two weeks we honour our ancestors.

Rituals to follow on Simha Sankranti 2025

1. Surya Puja: You wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and during Punya Kaal offer Arghya, a little water to the rising Sun. Some chant:

• Aditya Hridayam  (for energy)

• Gayatri Mantra  (for wisdom)

• Surya Ashtakam  (for protection and prosperity)

It is really just a thank-you to the source of all life.

2. Daan and Annadanam Giving is huge on this day. People donate:

• Jaggery and rice (for prosperity)

• Sesame seeds (for cleansing)

• Clothes  (for dignity)

• Cow fodder (for compassion)

• Food (for feeding priests, the poor, or anyone in need)

3. Pitru Tarpanam and Shraddha: Some families also use this day to honour ancestors. Water mixed with sesame seeds is offered while chanting mantras. The belief is that it strengthens family blessings and clears old karmas.

4. Fasting: Many fast, fully or partially, and break it only after offering food (Naivedyam) to the Sun.

5. Temple Visits and Homams: Temples for Surya Narayana, Lord Narasimha, or Lord Shiva hold special prayers, fire rituals, and bhajans. In some places, people also do the Satyanarayana Vratam.

How different states mark the day

Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh: Morning Sun prayers, reading Aditya Hridayam, temple visits, group Surya Namaskaras.

Odisha (Singha Sankranti): Folk customs, lighting lamps, and water offerings to gods.

Tamil Nadu: Quietly observed with solar astrology traditions and Panchangam readings.

What to Avoid

• Letting pride turn into arrogance.

• Eating meat, alcohol, or heavily processed food.

• Skipping family traditions, especially for ancestors.

What 2025 brings for Simha Sankranti

According to the Panchangam:

• Good year for animals

• Food and daily goods stay affordable

• Homes remain well-stocked

• Possible coughs and colds

• Global tensions and possible crop stress from lack of rain

When the Sun is in Leo, it is like the universe saying, ‘Sit on your throne, but rule well.’ Lead, but also give. Shine, but remember where the light comes from. It is a time to honour ancestors, lift others, and live with both courage and humility.

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