Mumbai: 

Mithun Sankranti marks the Sun’s transit into the zodiac sign of Gemini and is celebrated with devotion and unique customs across India. While it is primarily a day to worship Lord Surya (the Sun God), in many regions, rituals also include honouring age-old household tools like the grinding stone (silbatta), the flour mill (chakki), and the mortar and pestle (khalbatta).

These are considered sacred representations of Goddess Earth preparing for the upcoming monsoon season.

1. Flour Mill (Chakki):

On Mithun Sankranti, never give away your home’s chakki—even temporarily. It is regarded as a manifestation of Mother Earth and a symbol of your household’s fortune. Donating or lending it is considered equivalent to handing over your fate and luck to someone else.

2. Grinding Stone (Silbatta):

The silbatta, traditionally used for grinding spices, is seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in many Indian households. If you give this tool to someone on this day, you may unknowingly transfer your fortune and well-being to them.

3. Mortar and Pestle (Khalbatta):

Similar to the silbatta, the khalbatta—used for pounding spices—is also associated with wealth and domestic happiness. On Mithun Sankranti, you must not lend or donate this item, as doing so could invite misfortune and regrets into your life.

While it is believed that these items should ideally never be given away at any time, the taboo intensifies on Mithun Sankranti. Even lending them for use is said to bring emotional distress and bad luck. According to traditional belief, your prosperity and fortune are symbolically tied to these tools, and parting with them—especially on this sacred day—could bring lifelong regret.

Women often clean these tools and grind fresh spices on them before offering prayers. The symbolic act reflects gratitude to nature and the tools that help sustain food preparation.

Alongside the puja, the day is considered highly auspicious for charity, but there are strong warnings in traditional lore: there are three items that one must never give away on this day—even by mistake.

Read More:

Why is Neem powder offered to Lord Jagannath?