Zodiac.WSWhat is Sankranti?
Sankranti holds special significance in Hinduism. It is an astronomical event when the Sun moves from one zodiac sign to another. The Sun changes its position every month, and this process is called Sankranti. According to the Hindu calendar, there are 12 Sankrantis throughout the year, and each Sankranti has its own astrological and religious significance.
Importance of Sankranti
The day of Sankranti is considered extremely sacred and virtuous. Bathing, donation, and offering to ancestors hold great significance on this day. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many states of India.
- This festival is associated with agriculture, nature, and seasonal changes.
- The Sun God is worshipped on Sankranti, as the Sun is considered the soul of all physical and non-physical elements.
- Bath in the Ganges on Sankranti is considered highly virtuous.
Some Important Sankrantis
Although the Sun's transit through all 12 zodiac signs is auspicious, some Sankrantis are considered particularly special.
- Makar Sankranti: When the Sun enters the Capricorn sign, it is called Makar Sankranti. This is a major Indian festival celebrated in January every year. It is also sometimes called Uttarayan, because from this day the Sun begins its journey towards the north.
- Mesh Sankranti: On this day the Sun enters the zodiac sign Aries. It is considered the beginning of the New Year in the Hindu solar calendar and is usually celebrated on April 14 or 15.
- Mithuna Sankranti: Also known as Raja Parba or Ambubachi Mela, it is celebrated as the annual menstrual phase of Mother Earth.
- Karka Sankranti: On this day the Sun enters the zodiac sign Cancer. This marks the end of the six-month Uttarayan period and the beginning of Dakshinayan, which ends on Makar Sankranti.
What to do on Sankranti Day?
Religious texts specifically mention fasting and worship on Sankranti:
- Fasting: Eat only once a day before Sankranti.
- Bath: Wake up early in the morning on Sankranti and take a bath, in which sesame seeds can be mixed.
- Donation: After bathing, donate grains, fruits, or other items to Brahmins.
- Food: Eat oil-free food on this day and feed the needy.
- Ganga Snan: Bathing in holy rivers like Ganga and Narmada leads to attainment of Brahmaloka.
Learn Sankranti Dates on AstroSage
You can easily find out the dates of all the Sankrantis for any year using AstroSage's tool. Simply select the year and your location. This feature will help you find out the Sankranti dates not only for this year, but also for future years.