What does “Sankranti” mean?
"Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into a new zodiac sign."
Since there are 12 zodiac signs, Sankranti is observed 12 times a year (roughly once a month).
Different regions consider different Sankrantis significant. The best-known is Makara Sankranti.
Sankranti occurs monthly, while Makarsankranti happens annually and is considered the most significant Sankranti.
We retained the central message and developed it into a sleek, contemporary manual.
12 Sankrantis in a year
An approximate list of seasons and months (dates may vary slightly each year).
| Sankranti (Sun enters) | Zodiac sign | Approx time of year | Quick note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makara Sankranti | Capricorn | Mid‑January | Most celebrated; harvest + kites + sweets. |
| Kumbha Sankranti | Aquarius | Mid‑February | Often observed with bathing/charity in some regions. |
| Meena Sankranti | Pisces | Mid‑March | Seasonal transition toward spring. |
| Mesha Sankranti | Aries | Mid‑April | In many places, linked with local new year traditions. |
| Vrishabha Sankranti | Taurus | Mid‑May | Summer begins; charity and simple prayers. |
| Mithuna Sankranti | Gemini | Mid‑June | Monsoon season approaches in many regions. |
| Karka Sankranti | Cancer | Mid‑July | Often observed with seasonal puja/fasts. |
| Simha Sankranti | Leo | Mid‑August | Monsoon continues; regional customs vary. |
| Kanya Sankranti | Virgo | Mid‑September | Transition toward autumn in many places. |
| Tula Sankranti | Libra | Mid‑October | Festival season energy; customs vary. |
| Vrischika Sankranti | Scorpio | Mid‑November | Cooling season; prayers/charity are common themes. |
| Dhanu Sankranti | Sagittarius | Mid‑December | Winter; many prepare for the big Makara celebration. |
Solar transitions cause slight variations in the exact calendar date from year to year, and depending on regional calendars.
Makara Sankranti spotlight
Sankranti is commonly associated with festivities centered around warmth, harvest, and unity.
Terraces fill with color, snacks, music, and friendly competition.
- Try a “kite + chai” evening moment
- Use safe, bird-friendly materials
Sesame and jaggery treats are exchanged to promote a sense of comfort and kindness.
Numerous communities prioritize gratitude for food, family, and the individuals and animals who contribute to the harvest.
- Donation of grains/clothes
- Share sweets with neighbors
Depending on region, Makara aligns with harvest festivals like Pongal (often a multi-day celebration), plus other regional names and customs.
Want this page to include the 3-day Pongal timeline Do you already have a dedicated page for that? We can cross-link it here.
Cards, messages & shareables
Fast access to links like the original page for instant wish sending by visitors.
FAQ
Is Sankranti only Makara Sankranti?
No, Makara is the most widely celebrated and recognized, even though "Sankranti" occurs monthly.
Why is Makara Sankranti celebrated so widely?
It corresponds with the shift in seasons, giving thanks for the harvest, and observing various regional customs (such as flying kites, enjoying sweets, visiting temples, and celebrating the multi-day Pongal festival in parts of South India
Can I embed this on my site?
Certainly. It is a standalone HTML file that allows for section adjustments, image additions, and cross-linking to related pages.