Kanya Sankranti 2026: Significance, Puja Timings and Rituals for Sun Worship

Kanya Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition from Leo to Virgo. Sankranti refers to the movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. Since the Sun traditionally moves through all 12 zodiac signs during a year, 12 Sankrantis are observed, with each one being named after the zodiac sign entered by the Sun.

In 2026, Kanya Sankranti falls on Thursday, September 17. According to the provided Panchang details, the Sun enters Virgo at 7:58 AM, while the Maha Punya Kala is observed from 7:58 AM to 8:13 AM. Sun worship, holy bathing, charity and prayers for ancestors are traditionally considered important practices on this occasion. Devotees may take a holy bath and offer Arghya to the Sun using water in a copper vessel along with Akshata and red flowers. Reciting Aditya Hridayam and performing Surya Namaskaras are also traditional practices associated with the day.