As per the Hindu calendar, there are a total of twelve Sankranti days in a year. In northern India, Sankranti Tithi is also observed as a harvest festival, marking a period of transition and renewal. The word “Sankranti” or “Sankramanam” signifies the Sun’s transition from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to another. Among all, Makar Sankranti is the most significant, when the Sun enters Capricorn or Makar Rashi, marking the start of longer days and warmer seasons.
Types of Sankranti
According to the Hindu calendar, the twelve Sankranti days are grouped into four main types:
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Ayan Sankranti – Marks the change of solar hemisphere (Uttarayan and Dakshinayan)
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Vishuva Sankranti – Equinox transitions, where day and night are nearly equal
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Vishnupadi Sankranti – When the Sun enters fixed signs (Mesha, Karka, Tula, and Makara)
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Shashitimukhi Sankranti – Less commonly known, associated with deeper astrological meanings
Sankranti 2025 Dates
Here are the Sankranti dates for the year 2025, along with the respective Vrat names:
| Month | Date | Day | Vrat Name | Tithi Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 January, 2025 | Tuesday | Makar Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| February | 12 February, 2025 | Wednesday | Kumbha Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| March | 14 March, 2025 | Friday | Meena Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| April | 14 April, 2025 | Monday | Mesha Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| May | 15 May, 2025 | Thursday | Vrishabha Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| June | 15 June, 2025 | Sunday | Mithuna Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| July | 16 July, 2025 | Wednesday | Karka Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| August | 17 August, 2025 | Sunday | Simha Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| September | 17 September, 2025 | Wednesday | Kanya Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| October | 17 October, 2025 | Friday | Tula Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| November | 16 November, 2025 | Sunday | Vrischika Sankranti | Check Panchang |
| December | 16 December, 2025 | Tuesday | Dhanu Sankranti | Check Panchang |
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Among all the twelve Sankrantis, Makar Sankranti holds the most spiritual and cultural importance. Widely celebrated across India, it is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). This day also marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward journey.
Makar Sankranti generally falls on 14th January, but occasionally it is celebrated on 15th January, depending on the Sun’s movement as per the solar calendar.
In Southern India, Makar Sankranti is observed as a four-day festival, starting with Bhogi, followed by Sankranti, Kanuma, and Mukkanuma. People clean their homes, draw rangoli (kolam), and prepare traditional foods made from sesame and jaggery.
This day is considered highly auspicious for charity, bathing in holy rivers, and offering gratitude to the Sun deity. However, auspicious events like weddings and housewarmings are avoided during this time, but can resume from the next day onward.
Makar Sankranti Across India
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Uttarayan in Gujarat – Marked by kite flying festivals and sweets like til chikki.
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Pongal in Tamil Nadu – Celebrated as a thanksgiving festival to nature and farmers.
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Maghi in Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal – Precedes Lohri and involves bathing rituals and feasts.
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Sakrat in Bihar and Jharkhand – Special dishes like dahi-chura and tilkut are prepared.
Makar Sankranti signifies the end of winter and welcomes a new era of light, wisdom, and positive change. It represents a spiritual shift from darkness to enlightenment.