Quick answer: Simha Sankranti 2026 falls on 17 August, when the Sun transits into Simha (Leo). It begins the Malayalam solar month Chingam (in which Onam falls) and the Tamil month Aavani (which holds Avani Avittam). Devotees offer Surya arghya, do daan and observe the punya kaal.

Simha Sankranti is the day the Sun enters Simha (Leo), its own sign. It is a solar festival running alongside the lunar Sravana Masam, and it opens the Kerala and Tamil festive months of Chingam and Aavani.

Simha Sankranti 2026 — date & key facts

  • Date: Monday, 17 August 2026 (observance day)
  • Event: Sun transits into Simha (Leo)
  • Begins: Chingam (Malayalam month) & Aavani (Tamil month)
  • Observed by: Surya arghya, daan, punya-kaal snanam
  • Note: confirm the exact Sankramana moment and punya kaal with a local panchangam

What a Sankranti actually is

A Sankranti is the moment the Sun crosses from one zodiac sign into the next — a solar (nirayana) event, distinct from the lunar months. There are twelve Sankrantis in a year, one per sign; Makara Sankranti is the most famous, but each transit is marked. Simha Sankranti is the Sun’s entry into Leo, the sign it rules.

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Chingam 1 — the Kerala month

Simha Sankranti begins Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam solar calendar and the start of Kerala’s festive season. Onam falls in Chingam — see our coverage of Onam in the August 2026 festivals calendar.

Aavani — the Tamil month

It also begins Aavani, the Tamil solar month, within which Avani Avittam (Upakarma) is observed. The Tamil and Malayalam calendars both key their festivals to these solar months.

Simha masam alongside lunar Sravana

A Telugu or Kannada household can be in the lunar month of Sravana and the solar month of Simha at the same time, with no contradiction: the lunar calendar tracks the Moon’s phases and the solar calendar tracks the Sun’s sign. Festivals draw on whichever reckoning a given observance follows.

Punya kaal & Surya puja

The punya kaal is the auspicious window around the Sankramana (transit), traditionally used for snanam (holy bath), daan (charity), tarpanam and Surya worship. Because it depends on the exact transit time relative to sunrise, take the precise window from a local panchangam.

  1. At sunrise, face east and offer arghya (water) to the Sun.
  2. Chant the Surya Gayatri or Aditya Hridayam.
  3. Use a copper vessel where possible, adding a little red sandalwood and red flowers.
  4. Give daan in the punya kaal — food, grains, or to a cause you believe in.
  5. Conclude with pranam to Surya.

Regional observance

Simha Sankranti is kept across Kerala (Chingam 1), Tamil Nadu (Aavani), among Kannada and Telugu households as a solar-month marker, in Odisha, and in Nepal (start of Bhadra). The Sun in its own sign is honoured; the astrology framing describes tradition and makes no predictions about any individual — and is never a substitute for professional advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Simha Sankranti in 2026?

Simha Sankranti 2026 is observed on 17 August, when the Sun transits into Simha (Leo). Confirm the exact Sankramana moment and punya kaal with your local panchangam.

What is Simha Sankranti?

It is the solar festival marking the Sun’s entry into Leo, its own sign. It begins the Malayalam month Chingam and the Tamil month Aavani.

What is Chingam 1?

Chingam is the first month of the Malayalam solar calendar, beginning at Simha Sankranti; it is the start of Kerala’s festive season, and Onam falls within it.

How do you observe Simha Sankranti?

By offering Surya arghya at sunrise, chanting the Surya Gayatri or Aditya Hridayam, and giving daan in the punya kaal window.

Can I be in Sravana and Simha month at the same time?

Yes. The lunar calendar (Sravana) tracks the Moon’s phases and the solar calendar (Simha) tracks the Sun’s sign; a household is in both simultaneously without contradiction.

What is the punya kaal on Simha Sankranti?

The auspicious window around the Sun’s transit, used for holy bath, charity, tarpanam and Surya worship. Its exact timing depends on the transit relative to sunrise — check a local panchangam.