- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:42 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kumbha Sankranti 2026 takes place when the Sun moves from the sign of Capricorn into Aquarius, an event accompanied by immense excitement in Eastern India and associated with the Kumbh Mela. According to the Panchang, it falls on 13th February 2026 this year. On this day, devotees bathe in the Ganges, thinking it washes away their old sins along with any gloom to usher happiness and prosperity into their lives. In West Bengal, it marks the beginning of the Phalgun month. The pilgrims travel to the sacred cities of Prayagraj and Haridwar to perform their puja.
Kumbha Sankranti 2026: Date And Time
- Kumbha Sankranti 2026 Date: 13th February 2026, Friday
- Sankranti Moment: 04:14 AM
Kumbha Sankranti 2026: Shubh Muhurat
- Kumbha Sankranti Punya Kaal: 07:01 AM to 12:35 PM
- Kumbha Sankranti Maha Punya Kaal: 07:01 AM to 08:53 AM
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People take a sacred dip in Haridwar or other pious water bodies on the occasion of Kumbh Sankranti. (Image Source: Canva)
Kumbha Sankranti 2026: Significance
The significance of Kumbh Sankranti is closely associated with Kumbh Mela and the ritual of a holy bath in the Ganges. According to beliefs, a dip in holy rivers cleanses the soul and may cure ailments. The legend is associated with the churning of the ocean, whereby droplets of nectar are believed to have fallen at Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain, and Prayagraj from the gods during the celestial fight with demons. Kumbh Mela is held in these places to commemorate that legend. Feeding food to cows and paying obeisance to Mother Ganga on this day is believed to lead the way to salvation. The day is celebrated with much fanfare as the advent of the month Phalgun in eastern India, particularly Bengal and Assam.
Kumbha Sankranti 2026: Rituals
On this day, people wake up before dawn and visit the Ghats to get the blessings of Maa Ganga. After taking a dip in the sacred waters of Ganga, they offer prayers for peace and good health within the temple premises. Feeding cows during the Kumbh Mela is considered to bring good luck. The ritual of taking a holy dip in the sacred waters ofMother Ganga is termed Sankraman Snan.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)