Sankranti 2026 – Complete Calendar of 12 Sankrantis with Dates & Significance

 

Meaning & Importance

• Sankranti refers to the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to another.
• There are twelve Sankrantis in the Hindu calendar, each marking the Sun’s entry into a new sign.
• Makar Sankranti (January) is the most widely celebrated across India, symbolizing harvest, prosperity, and the onset of longer days.
• Spiritual Belief: Sankranti days are considered highly auspicious for charity, donations, and spiritual practices, while marriages and other ceremonies are avoided.

Sankranti 2026 Dates

Sankranti	Date (2026)
Makara Sankranti	January 14
Kumbha Sankranti	February 13
Meena Sankranti	March 15
Mesha Sankranti	April 14
Vrishabha Sankranti	May 15
Mithuna Sankranti	June 15
Karka Sankranti	July 16
Simha Sankranti	August 17
Kanya Sankranti	September 17
Tula Sankranti	October 17
Vrishchika Sankranti	November 16
Dhanu Sankranti	December 16

Rituals & Practices

• Charity (Dana): Donating food, clothes, and money is considered highly meritorious.
• River Bath: Taking a dip in sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari purifies sins.
• Sun Worship: Offering water (Arghya) to Surya Bhagavan during sunrise.
• Avoid Ceremonies: Weddings, housewarmings, and other auspicious functions are not performed.
• Regional Celebrations:
• Makara Sankranti: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, Kite Festival in Gujarat, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana.