Sankranti (Sanskrit: संक्रान्ति, romanized: Saṁkrānti) refers to the transmigration of the sun from one zodiac to another in Indian astronomy. In Saurmanavarsha (Hindu Solar year), there are twelve Sankrantis corresponding with twelve months of a year.[1] The Sankrantis can be broadly classified into four main categories: Ayan (Solstice), Vishuva (Equinox), Vishnupadi and Shadshitimukhi sankrantis.[1]
Makar Sankranti: Marks the transition of the Sun into Makara Râshi (Capricorn) on its celestial path, and the six-month Uttarayana period.[2] Makar Sankranti is also called Uttarayana - the day on which the sun begins his northward journey. The traditional Indian calendar is based on lunar positions, Sankranti is a solar event. The date of Makar Sankranti remains constant over a long term, 14 January or occasionally, 15 January as the Sun begins to rise in Makara Râshi.
Dhanu Sankranti: celebrated on the first day of the solar month.[3] In Southern Bhutan and Nepal it is celebrated by eating wild potatoes (Darul). The 2017 date is December 17.
Karka Sankranti: July 16, marks the transition of the Sun into Karka Râshi (Cancer). This also marks the end of the six-month Uttarayana period on the Hindu calendar, and the beginning of Dakshinayana, which itself end at Makar Sankranti.[2]
Simha Sankranti: It is celebrated on the first day of the solar month on the Hindu calendar i.e. Bhadrapada. The festival holds special significance in Ramban district of Jammu division.[4] People visit Chandrabhaga river and offer floral offerings. It is popularly known by the name Singh Sankrant. Local tradition traces the origin of the festival to Pandavas.[5]
Nol Sankranti: It is celebrated on the first day of the solar month on the Hindu calendar i.e. Kartik (month). It is also called Dak Sankranti. Sadh Bhokhon or Godbharai is a special tradition for pregnant Hindu women. Hindu people believe that rice plants are too pregnant from the middle of September to the middle of October, so the farmers arrange a ritual for good production of paddy like the production of the Nol plant. Borassus flabellifer seeds are used as prasad. The festival holds special significance in West Bengal and Assam state.
^ ab"Sankranti 2021: Complete list of dates, tithi, and importance". India Today. Retrieved 2024-02-19. According to the Hindu calendar, there are a total of twelve Sankranti in a year. Furthur is divided into four categories which are known as Ayan, Vishuva, Vishnupadi, and Shadshitimukhi Sankranti.
^"Festivals of Orissa - Dhanu Sankranti". orissa.oriyaonline.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012. Dhanu Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of lunar Pousha month.
