The difference in one table
This elaborates on the initial comparison: Sankranti marks the solar transit, while Makar Sankranti specifically denotes the Capricorn transit and is celebrated as a significant harvest festival.
| Sankranti | Makar Sankranti |
|---|---|
|
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. |
|
How it’s used
Used in panchang/astrology or when discussing the monthly shift in solar positions (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. |
|
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 (usually March/April) and dates may differ based on region.
Why people use “Sankranti” and “Makar Sankranti” interchangeably
"Sankranti is commonly referred to as the major mid-January festival in everyday conversation. Here's the reasoning behind this."
While there are numerous Sankrantis, Makar Sankranti is widely recognized as the primary harvest festival in India, making it synonymous with the term "Sankranti."
People tend to abbreviate festival names in greetings and conversations, like saying "Happy Sankranti!" instead of "Happy Makar Sankranti!" which is widely understood 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 marks the Sun's entry into Makara (Capricorn).
"Sankranti takes place each month when the Sun moves into a new zodiac sign."
Celebrate Makar Sankranti with us by flying kites and enjoying til-gud sweets at Uttar
Each month, the Sun moves into a new sign during Sankranti (12 occurrences annually).
FAQ
It's not common for every month to have a Sankranti, but Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated as a harvest festival.
In informal January exchanges, it is usually said yes. In a panchang or astrological context, it can signify the Sankranti of any month.
New Year is celebrated on varied dates in different regions, such as Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Puthandu, and Navreh, usually falling in the months of
In headings/articles, utilize "Makar Sankranti." In greetings, "Happy Sankranti" works well, especially when your audience is familiar with
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