Sankranti Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Sankranti marks the transit of the Sun from one rashi (zodiac sign) to the next. There are twelve Sankrantis in a year. Makar Sankranti (Sun entering Capricorn) is the most celebrated; others include Mesha, Vrishabha, and Mithuna Sankranti. The day is considered auspicious for charity and ritual baths.
Sankranti Mythology & Legend
In Vedic tradition, the Sun's movement through the zodiac governs seasons and agriculture. Sankranti days are favoured for spiritual practices and donations. Makar Sankranti heralds Uttarayana, the northward journey of the Sun, considered especially auspicious.
Sankranti Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Take a holy bath at sunrise, especially in sacred rivers on major Sankrantis.
- Offer prayers to Surya; donate food, clothes, or sesame to the needy.
- In South India, prepare Pongal or sweet dishes; in North India, fly kites on Makar Sankranti.
- Chant Surya mantras and perform Surya Namaskar if in tradition.
Sankranti Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ सूर्याय नमः
oṃ sūryāya namaḥ
Salutations to Surya
Sankranti Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Til (sesame)
- ●Gur (jaggery)
- ●Pongal
- ●Seasonal fruits
Sankranti Regional Celebrations across India
North India(संक्रांति)
Makar Sankranti, kite flying, til-gur
South India(संक्रांति / பொங்கல்)
Pongal, harvest festival
Sankranti Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Bathe at sunrise
- ✓Donate to the needy
- ✓Worship Surya
- ✓Eat sesame and jaggery
Don'ts
- ✗Do not skip charity on Sankranti
- ✗Avoid inauspicious work during transition
- ✗Do not disrespect the Sun
Sankranti — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Sankranti?
- Sankranti marks the transit of the Sun from one rashi (zodiac sign) to the next.
- When is Sankranti 2026?
- In 2026, Sankranti falls on 2026, മേയ് 15, വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച.
- What are the Sankranti puja rituals?
- Take a holy bath at sunrise, especially in sacred rivers on major Sankrantis.; Offer prayers to Surya; donate food, clothes, or sesame to the needy.; In South India, prepare Pongal or sweet dishes; in North India, fly kites on Makar Sankranti.; Chant Surya mantras and perform Surya Namaskar if in tradition.
- What to eat on Sankranti?
- Til (sesame), Gur (jaggery), Pongal, Seasonal fruits
- What should you do on Sankranti?
- Bathe at sunrise; Donate to the needy; Worship Surya
- What should you avoid on Sankranti?
- Do not skip charity on Sankranti; Avoid inauspicious work during transition; Do not disrespect the Sun
- Which deity is worshipped on Sankranti?
- Sankranti is dedicated to Surya.
Upcoming Sankranti Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Sankranti is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 മേയ് 15 | വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച | 03:55 am | — |
| 2026 ജൂൺ 15 | തിങ്കളാഴ്ച | 05:05 am | — |
| 2026 ജൂലൈ 17 | വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച | 08:32 am | — |
| 2026 ഓഗ 17 | തിങ്കളാഴ്ച | 10:17 am | — |
| 2026 സെപ്റ്റം 17 | വ്യാഴാഴ്ച | 11:56 am | — |
| 2026 ഒക്ടോ 18 | ഞായറാഴ്ച | 01:05 pm | — |
| 2026 നവം 17 | ചൊവ്വാഴ്ച | 12:48 pm | — |
| 2026 ഡിസം 16 | ബുധനാഴ്ച | 11:47 am | — |
| 2027 ജനു 15 | വെള്ളിയാഴ്ച | 11:17 am | — |
| 2027 ഫെബ്രു 13 | ശനിയാഴ്ച | 10:28 am | — |
| 2027 മാർ 15 | തിങ്കളാഴ്ച | 10:53 am | — |
| 2027 ഏപ്രി 14 | ബുധനാഴ്ച | 12:04 pm | — |
| 2027 മേയ് 15 | ശനിയാഴ്ച | 02:16 pm | — |
| 2027 ജൂൺ 16 | ബുധനാഴ്ച | 05:10 pm | — |
| 2027 ജൂലൈ 17 | ശനിയാഴ്ച | 06:37 pm | — |