Tula Sankranti 2026: Date, Significance, Rituals, Worship and Donations

Tula Sankranti will be observed on Sunday, October 18, 2026, when the Sun is expected to enter Libra at 9:47 AM. In Hindu astrological tradition, the Sun’s transition from Virgo to Libra marks this occasion. The festival is observed in different ways across India and is also known as Garbhana Sankranti in some regional traditions. It is associated with agricultural prosperity, gratitude for the harvest and prayers for family well-being. Taking a sacred bath in the Cauvery River and visiting temples along its banks are considered auspicious by devotees.

Several traditional rituals are associated with the festival. Farmers and their families worship Dhanya Lakshmi, offering newly harvested paddy, grains, vegetables and other auspicious items while praying for a good harvest. In parts of Karnataka and Odisha, devotees also worship Goddess Gauri, with regional customs varying by community. Sun worship is another important practice: devotees may offer water to the Sun, perform Surya Namaskaras and recite the Aditya Hridayam. Some families perform water and sesame offerings for their ancestors and conduct other customary rites. Donating vegetables, green gram and jaggery is also considered meritorious in certain traditions. These practices reflect religious devotion, respect for ancestors and hopes for agricultural abundance. The spiritual benefits described are matters of religious belief and may vary according to local customs.