Sankranti (Sanskrit: सङ्क्रान्ति, 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 of Hindu calendar, and the beginning of Dakshinayana, which itself end at Makar Sankranti.[2]
Simha Sankranti : It is celebrated on first day of solar month of Hindu Calendar i.e. Bhadrapada. The festival holds special significance in Ramban districtofJammu 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 of Hindu Calendar i.e. Kartik (month).It is also called Dak Sankranti. Sadh Bhokhon or Godbharai is a special tradition for Hindu pregnant 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 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.
