Jala Samkranti

The Maha Visubha Sankranti festival marks the beginning of the Hindu solar year. On this day, parts of north India celebrate a festival called Jala Samkranti. The word ‘jala’ means ‘water’. As the name indicates, the day is observed by offering water to the thirsty people. According to Hindu mythology, a person offering water on this auspicious day will be freed of all sins. His/her ancestors and the gods will be pleased and will offer their blessings.

The ritual of offering water on the Jala Samkranti has a legend behind it. According to the Bhavishya Purana, an ancient text, when Bhishma had felt thirsty in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna shot an arrow to the ground, causing a stream of water to gush out and quench the thirst of the dying Bhishma. This act of compassion by Arjuna has led to the observance of the festival.