Sankranti Dates 2025

Sankranti refers to the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another in Indian astronomy. The term "Sankranti" is derived from Sanskrit and means "transmigration" or "movement." There are 12 Sankrantis in a year, each marking the sun's transition into a new zodiac sign, but the most significant among these is Makar Sankranti.

Why is Sankranti Celebrated?

• Solar Transition: Makar Sankranti specifically marks the sun's transition into the Capricorn (Makara) zodiac sign, signaling the end of winter and the beginning of longer days, as the sun starts its northward journey or Uttarayana. This event is considered highly auspicious in Hindu culture, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the start of a new, positive cycle.
• Harvest Festival: It coincides with the harvest season in many parts of India, celebrating the successful completion of the harvest and giving thanks to the sun god, Surya, for the bounty of crops. This aspect makes it one of the oldest solstice festivals.
• Cultural Significance: Sankranti is celebrated differently across India, with various names like Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Maghi in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. It's a time for community gatherings, feasts, and sharing gifts, embodying cultural unity and diversity.

How is Sankranti Celebrated?

• Kite Flying: In Gujarat, Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) is famous for the International Kite Festival where people of all ages engage in kite flying, symbolizing reaching for the sky or the sun.
• Ritual Bathing: Many people take a holy dip in rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, or Godavari, as it's believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual purity.
• Charity and Feasting: Offering alms to the poor and exchanging sweets made of jaggery and sesame seeds (til) are common practices, symbolizing the sharing of warmth and sweetness.
• Cattle Worship: In some regions, especially rural areas, there's a tradition of worshipping cattle, acknowledging their role in agriculture.
• Community Activities: Regional celebrations include bonfires, traditional dances, and fairs. In places like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it's a multi-day festival with significant social and religious gatherings.
• Prayers and Rituals: Devotional activities include prayers to Surya, chanting of mantras, and other rituals aimed at spiritual renewal.

The festival's celebration varies by region, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of India but united by the theme of welcoming the sun's northward journey, celebrating harvest, and fostering community and family bonds.