The difference in one table
This elaborates on the initial comparison by stating that Sankranti marks the solar transit, while Makar Sankranti specifically denotes the shift into Capricorn season and is celebrated as a significant agricultural festival.
| Sankranti | Makar Sankranti |
|---|---|
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Meaning
“Sankranti” refers to the Sun’s transit from one zodiac sign to another in the Hindu astrological calendar. This happens twelve times a year—once each month. |
Meaning
Makar Sankranti is the specific Sankranti when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makara). It usually falls around January 14 and is celebrated widely as a harvest festival. |
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How it’s used
Used in panchang/astrology or when discussing the monthly shifts in solar energy (e.g., "today marks the beginning of Sankr |
How it’s used
Used for the January festival — kites, feasts, charity, and regional harvest celebrations. Often associated with the start of longer days and seasonal change. |
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Big takeaway
Sankranti is a category (many Sankrantis). |
Big takeaway
Makar Sankranti is one specific Sankranti — and for most people, it’s the Sankranti they celebrate. |
Makar Sankranti is not The Hindu New Year begins in the month of Chaitra and varies regionally, typically falling in March or April.
Why people use “Sankranti” and “Makar Sankranti” interchangeably
"Sankranti" is commonly used to refer to the major festival in the middle of January in simple terms. Here is the reason for
While there are numerous Sankranti festivals, Makar Sankranti stands out as a significant harvest celebration in India, often considered the quintessential "Sankranti."
People tend to abbreviate festival names in greetings and conversations: "Happy Sankranti!" is simpler than "Happy Makar Sankranti!" and universally recognized in January.
The same festival season is also called Uttarayan (especially in Gujarat) or linked with Pongal in the South. So people mix “Sankranti/Makar Sankranti/Uttarayan” depending on local habit.
If it’s mid-January and you’re greeting someone: “Sankranti” and “Makar Sankranti” are typically understood the same. If you’re writing an explainer, calendar note, or astrology/panchang info: use the precise term—“Makar Sankranti” or “(month name) Sankranti.”
Examples: which term to use
Copy-paste friendly examples for posts, invites, and captions.
“Happy Sankranti! ☀️🪁” (Usually implies Makar Sankranti in January.)
“Happy Makar Sankranti to you and your family!” (More formal/clear.)
Makar Sankranti occurs when the Sun moves into the zodiac sign of Capricorn,
"Sankranti happens monthly as the Sun moves into the next astrological sign."
Come celebrate Makar Sankranti / Uttarayan with us, flying kites and enjoying til-gud
Sankranti occurs monthly as the Sun moves into a new sign twelve times per year.
FAQ
It is uncommon for every month to have a Sankranti, but Makar Sankranti stands out as one of the most popular harvest festivals.
In informal January interactions, it is common. In a panchang or astrological context, it could represent the Sankranti of any month.
New Year is observed on various dates in different regions, such as Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Puthandu, Navreh, usually falling in March or April.
In headings and articles, refer to the festival as “Makar Sankranti.” In greetings, it is acceptable to use “Happy Sankranti”
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Same CTAs as other pages for consistency across the site.