Important Sankrantis monthly solar transitions, with Makara Sankranti as the highlight
Explainer • Yearly list • Shareable resources

Important Sankrantis

Sankranti happens every month (a solar “sign change”). Among them, Makara Sankranti is the most widely celebrated linked with harvest joy, brighter days, kites, and sweet greetings like तिळगुळ घ्या, गोड गोड बोला.

Core idea
Sun enters a new zodiac sign.
Frequency
12 Sankrantis each year.
Most famous
Makara Sankranti (Jan).
Quick Summary
Monthly: Sankranti • Yearly highlight: Makara Sankranti
Monthly
12 sign transitions
Makara
Most celebrated
Harvest
Thanks + sharing
Joy
Kites + sweets
Tip: Use this page for a brief explanation, then head to Makara resources for greeting options.

Print-friendly: use your browser’s Print option (sticky nav hides automatically).

What does “Sankranti” mean?

Solar transition

"Sankranti marks the Sun's transition into a new zodiac sign."

Monthly occurrence

Since there are 12 zodiac signs, Sankranti is observed 12 times a year (roughly once a month).

Why “important”?

Different regions consider different Sankrantis significant. The best-known is Makara Sankranti.

From the older page

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).

Search in the box to filter this table
Sankranti (Sun enters) Zodiac sign Approx time of year Quick note
Makara Sankranti Capricorn Mid‑January Most celebrated; harvest + kites + sweets.
Kumbha SankrantiAquariusMid‑FebruaryOften observed with bathing/charity in some regions.
Meena SankrantiPiscesMid‑MarchSeasonal transition toward spring.
Mesha SankrantiAriesMid‑AprilIn many places, linked with local new year traditions.
Vrishabha SankrantiTaurusMid‑MaySummer begins; charity and simple prayers.
Mithuna SankrantiGeminiMid‑JuneMonsoon season approaches in many regions.
Karka SankrantiCancerMid‑JulyOften observed with seasonal puja/fasts.
Simha SankrantiLeoMid‑AugustMonsoon continues; regional customs vary.
Kanya SankrantiVirgoMid‑SeptemberTransition toward autumn in many places.
Tula SankrantiLibraMid‑OctoberFestival season energy; customs vary.
Vrischika SankrantiScorpioMid‑NovemberCooling season; prayers/charity are common themes.
Dhanu SankrantiSagittariusMid‑DecemberWinter; many prepare for the big Makara celebration.
Why dates shift

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.

Kite culture

Terraces fill with color, snacks, music, and friendly competition.

  • Try a “kite + chai” evening moment
  • Use safe, bird-friendly materials
Til‑gud sweetness

Sesame and jaggery treats are exchanged to promote a sense of comfort and kindness.

Greeting: तिळगुळ घ्या, गोड गोड बोला
Harvest gratitude

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
Related celebrations around Makara

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.

Tip: Put a short quote + emoji: 🪁 ☀️ 🍬

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.