What does “Sankranti” mean?
"Sankranti" marks the transition of the Sun 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.
"Sanranti occurs monthly, Makrsankranti is annual, and it is the most significant Sankranti."
We maintained the central message and developed it into a sleek, contemporary manual.
12 Sankrantis in a year
A useful guide (rough season / month — dates can vary yearly).
| 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 each year depending on regional calendars, so the exact date may differ.
Makara Sankranti spotlight
The Sankranti that comes to mind for many: a joyful occasion 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
Sesame and jaggery treats are passed around to spread warmth and speak with kindness.
Numerous communities prioritize gratitude for food, family, and the individuals/animals essential 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 as well? We can cross-link it here.
Cards, messages & shareables
Convenient links like those on the original page allow visitors to send wishes quickly.
FAQ
Is Sankranti only Makara Sankranti?
No, "Sankranti" does not occur monthly; Makara is just the most popular and commonly celebrated.
Why is Makara Sankranti celebrated so widely?
It coincides with the changing seasons, giving thanks for the harvest, and various regional customs like flying kites, enjoying sweets, visiting temples, and celebrating Pongal in parts of South India for multiple days.
Can I embed this on my site?
Indeed, it is a solitary HTML document where you have the flexibility to modify sections, insert images, or interlink pages.