Tula Sankranti, a prominent Hindu festival, is a celestial event that signifies the shift of the sun into the zodiac sign of Tula Rasi or Libra. Celebrated on October 17, 2025.This festival resonates deeply with the cultural, social and religious heritage of India. While it has importance throughout the country, it is particularly appreciated in the states of Odisha and Karnataka. Notably, Tula Sankranti coincides with Mahastami and is alternatively known as Garbhana or Garvana Sankranti. The essence of Tula Sankranti lies in its intricate traditions and rituals, which combine the natural world with spirituality. Farmers revere this day because it symbolizes the culmination of their work when their fields produce ripe rice. This reverence is expressed through offerings of freshly harvested rice and husk. in the picturesque Coorg district of KarnatakaPeople congregate at Tula Cauvery, the source point of the river, to take a sacred dip. This water is believed to free a person from the cycle of birth and death on the day of Tula Sankranti. Goddess Parvati, symbolized by the river Cauvery, is worshiped with elaborate offerings. Tula Sankranti is not only a time of spiritual reflection but also an occasion for families to come together, put on new clothes and enjoy a sumptuous meal. This is a time of hope for abundance in the coming year. Additionally, the festival features a legendary story from the Skanda Purana, which narrates the transformation of Kaveri (formerly Lopamudra or Vishnumaya), the daughter of Lord Brahma, in the river Cauvery. Their selflessness and divine intervention in their history highlight the sacred importance of the river, leading to rituals such as sacred baths at specific locations along its course. In short, Tula Sankranti is a festival that beautifully intertwines the cycles of nature, spirituality and community celebration. It serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between agricultural abundance and the spiritual fabric of India, showcasing the richness of its traditions, rituals and legends.
Tula Sankranti marks a new harmony – check your stars today!
Rituals and Traditions
Agricultural reverence in Odisha:
Tula Sankranti holds a special place in the hearts of the farmers of Odisha as it represents the pinnacle of their painstaking efforts in the field. Known as “Garbhana Sankranti”, this day is a celebration of the fertility of nature and the fertility of the earth itself. Farmers perceive rice plants as living incarnations of the goddess Lakshmi, the divine source of wealth, prosperity and fertility. To honor this auspicious occasion, they offer freshly harvested rice and paddy to the goddess, seeking her blessings for abundant harvests. Furthermore, as a gesture of protection against possible calamities such as floods and plagues, they feature grains of ‘wheat’ and branches of ‘Kara’ plants, underlining their deeply rooted connection with the earth.
Measuring hope:
In select villages of Odisha, Tula Sankranti presents a unique tradition that symbolizes the deep hope of a year filled with abundant harvests. This custom involves meticulous measurement of essential crops such as rice, wheat and legumes. Each grain weighed and measured has a deep meaning that encapsulates the dreams and aspirations of farming communities. The act of measuring becomes a symbolic ritual, which not only represents the tangible yield of crops but also serves as a collective expression of optimism. It is a testament to the unwavering faith in the fertility of the land and the belief that nature will continue to bless it with prosperity all year round.
Holy Coorg Sauce:
In the picturesque Coorg district of Karnataka, Tula Sankranthi is celebrated with deep grandeur and spiritual fervor. At the sacred Tala Cauvery, the very source of the Cauvery River, devotees gather to participate in a purifying bath in its sacred waters. It is a belief deeply rooted in tradition that, precisely when the Sun enters Tula Rasi, a miraculous fountain gushes out and fills another tank. This divine water is revered for its potential to free the dying from the ceaseless cycle of birth and death. Goddess Parvati, symbolized by the powerful Cauvery, receives offerings of betel leaves, areca nuts, bangles, sandalwood paste, vermilion and turmeric. The symbolic worship of a vegetable, often a cucumber or coconut, known as Kanni Puje, further embodies the spiritual connection with nature and the blessings of the river.
Special clothing and food
New Clothes in Odisha:
In the vibrant state of Odisha, Tula Sankranti brings not only spiritual significance but also an occasion for sartorial splendor. On this auspicious day, Odia households delight in sporting new and vibrant attires. The exchange of these fresh garments symbolizes renewal and welcoming positive energies for the coming year. It is a joyous occasion when families come together to partake in a sumptuous and festive lunch, savoring traditional delicacies. This community festival not only nourishes the body but also nourishes the ties of kinship and union. With these rituals, Odisha ushers in Tula Sankranti with the collective hope of a year abundant in blessings and prosperity.
Vegetarian Delicacies in Karnataka:
In Karnataka, Tula Sankranti takes on a unique flavor as households adopt a strictly vegetarian menu for the occasion. This culinary tradition is marked by a respectful abstinence from hot beverages and alcohol, emphasizing purity and spiritual observance. Dishes most enjoyed during this festive period include dosa, a delicious fermented rice, and lentil pancakes, often served with a variety of tasty vegetable sides. The indulgence continues with paayasam, a sweet and creamy rice pudding that delights the taste buds. In particular, yellow or white pumpkin preparations, like the beloved Kumbala dish, take center stage and add healthy, earthy flavors to the celebratory meal. This food journey reflects the cultural and spiritual significance of Tula Sankranti in Karnataka.
legendary history
The legend of Kaveri, as told in the sacred Skanda Purana, weaves a captivating narrative that resonates deeply with the spiritual tapestry of South India. Kaveri, originally known as Lopamudra or Vishnumaya, is believed to be the divine daughter of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Her destiny took a transformative turn when she became the adopted daughter of Kavera Muni, a revered sage. Later, Agastya Muni fell in love with her and married her. However, this story takes a touching turn when Muni’s negligence caused immense pain to Lopamudra. Her unmet emotional needs and loneliness led her to take an extreme step. In an act of profound transformation, it metamorphosed into the majestic Cauvery River, which flows with incomparable grace and serenity. This transformation was not just a personal journey but a divine mission as the Cauvery River would benefit the land and its people, particularly in the Kodagu region. The legend of Kaveri, or Cauvery, underlines the sacred and enriching importance of the river in the lives of those it touches. To honor this story of altruism and sanctity of the river, devotees across South India, especially in Bhagamandala, Karnataka and Mayavaram, Tamil Nadu, participate in holy baths during Tula Sankranti. This ritual not only serves as symbolic purification but also deepens the spiritual connection with the river, recognizing its vital role in sustaining life and culture in the region. The legend of Kaveri lives on as a testament to the eternal interaction between mythology, nature and the spiritual heritage of the land. Tula Sankranti is a festival that transcends the limits of mere celestial observations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connection between humanity, the bounty of nature, and spirituality. Beyond being a mere calendar date, this celebration embodies a deep reverence for the fertility of the Earth and the blessings it bestows on its inhabitants. Through a tapestry of intricate rituals and offerings, Tula Sankranti becomes a bridge between the material and the divine. The act of offering freshly harvested crops to Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes the fusion of work and gratitude, underlining the belief that prosperity is the result of hard work and blessings from the divine. Furthermore, the legendary story of Kaveri’s transformation into a river signifies the sacred role of nature in sustaining life and culture. It highlights the enduring connection between mythology and the environment. Tula Sankranti unites communities transcending regional boundaries to celebrate the abundance of the Earth and the continuity of life. It is a testament to the harmony that can be achieved when spirituality and the cycles of nature intertwine, reminding us of the eternal bond between humans and the planet we call home.
