What does “Sankranti” mean?
“Sankranti” marks the Sun's shift into a new zodiac sign, serving as a significant transition.
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 deemed the most significant."
We preserved the core message and transformed it into a sleek, contemporary manual.
12 Sankrantis in a year
A useful guide (rough season / month — exact 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 can vary slightly from year to year due to differences in regional calendars.
Makara Sankranti spotlight
When most people think of Sankranti, they picture a joyous celebration of warmth, abundance, and unity.
Terraces fill with color, snacks, music, and friendly competition.
- Try a “kite + chai” evening moment
- Use safe, bird-friendly materials
Sharing sesame and jaggery treats fosters warmth and promotes kind communication.
A lot of communities prioritize gratitude for food, family, and the individuals/animals involved in the harvest process.
- 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.
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FAQ
Is Sankranti only Makara Sankranti?
Sankranti happens every month, but Makara is the most popular and well-known celebration.
Why is Makara Sankranti celebrated so widely?
It corresponds with the changing seasons, giving thanks for the harvest, and celebrating various regional customs like flying kites, indulging in sweets, visiting temples, and observing the multi-day Pongal festival in parts of South India.
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