Dhanu Sankranti / Dhanurmasam begins 2026

Dhanu Sankranti: The Start of Dhanurmasam

Dhanu Sankranti is the day the Sun enters Dhanu rashi (Sagittarius), and it marks the beginning of Dhanurmasam, the sacred month that lasts until Makara Sankranti. It usually falls in the Margashira month, and in Telugu homes and Vaishnava temples it opens a month of early-morning worship, Tiruppavai recitation and colourful muggulu.

Why Dhanurmasam Is Sacred

Tradition describes one human year as one day of the devas, and the Dhanurmasa period as the time just before their dawn, the Brahma muhurtham of the gods. Worship done in this period is therefore considered especially fruitful. The month is closely linked to Andal (Goda Devi), who observed a vratham during Margazhi (Dhanurmasam) to attain Lord Ranganatha and composed the thirty pasurams of the Tiruppavai. Her devotion is remembered every morning of this month.

Observances During Dhanurmasam

• Early bath and worship: Rise before dawn, bathe and worship Lord Vishnu or Lord Venkateswara.
• Tiruppavai: Recite or listen to one pasuram of Andal's Tiruppavai each day. At Tirumala, Tiruppavai is recited in place of the Suprabhatam during this month.
• Muggulu: Women draw large rangoli in front of their homes each morning and place gobbemmalu (cow-dung balls decorated with flowers) on them as the month goes on.
• Naivedyam: Pongali (sweet or ven pongal) and dadhyodanam are offered to the Lord early in the morning.
• Haridasu: In villages, Haridasus go from door to door in the mornings singing the names of Hari.

Sankranti Punyakalam and Charity

Like every Sankranti, the hours around the Sun's entry into Dhanu are considered a punyakalam. Bathing in a river or at home, offering arghya to Surya, pitru tarpanam and giving food, clothes or blankets to those in need are traditionally done. Many people avoid weddings and griha pravesham during Dhanurmasam, treating it as a month dedicated to devotion.

Leading Up to Sankranti

Dhanurmasam ends on Bhogi, the day before Makara Sankranti, when Goda Kalyanam is celebrated in Vaishnava temples. The whole month builds a festive mood that culminates in the three-day Sankranti festival in Telugu homes.

May this Dhanurmasam fill your mornings with devotion and your home with Lord Vishnu's grace.