Sankranti is an important observance in Hinduism that marks the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another, known as Surya Sankranti.
This celestial shift holds great significance, as it symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Each Sankranti is considered an auspicious day for performing charitable acts, rituals, and seeking blessings.
In this blog, we delve into the 2025 Sankranti Calendar, its monthly dates, the spiritual meaning behind each Sankranti, and the traditional rituals associated with this sacred event. Let us explore how observing Sankranti can bring positive changes to your life.
2025 Sankranti Calendar
Here is the complete list of Sankranti Dates for 2025:
| Event Date | Event Name |
| January 14, 2025, Tuesday | Makara Sankranti, Pongal |
| February 12, 2025, Wednesday | Kumbha Sankranti |
| March 14, 2025, Friday | Meena Sankranti |
| April 14, 2025, Monday | Mesha Sankranti, Solar New Year |
| May 15, 2025, Thursday | Vrishabha Sankranti |
| June 15, 2025, Sunday | Mithuna Sankranti |
| July 16, 2025, Wednesday | Karka Sankranti |
| August 17, 2025, Sunday | Simha Sankranti |
| September 17, 2025, Wednesday | Vishwakarma Puja, Kanya Sankranti |
| October 17, 2025, Friday | Tula Sankranti |
| November 16, 2025, Sunday | Vrishchika Sankranti |
| December 16, 2025, Tuesday | Dhanu Sankranti |
What is Sankranti?
Sankranti refers to the Sun's movement from one Rashi (zodiac sign) to the next in the Hindu calendar. There are twelve Sankrantis in a year, each marking the start of a new solar month.
Among these, Makar Sankranti is the most celebrated, as it denotes the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), signifying the start of the harvest season in India.
Sankranti is a time to cleanse the mind, body, and soul, making it an ideal day for spiritual practices, giving charity, and seeking divine blessings. It is also believed that the energies on this day are highly auspicious, making it suitable for starting new ventures.
The Spiritual Significance of Sankranti
In Hindu tradition, Sankranti is more than just an astronomical event; it is a spiritual milestone. Here’s why Sankranti is significant:
Renewal and Transformation: The Sun's transition into a new zodiac sign is seen as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. It symbolizes letting go of the old and embracing the new.
Boost of Positive Energy: The cosmic energies during Sankranti are believed to be highly auspicious, promoting spiritual awakening and positivity.
Alignment with Nature: Observing Sankranti helps individuals align their lives with the rhythms of nature, enhancing harmony and balance.
Harvest and Gratitude: Certain Sankrantis, like Makara Sankranti, mark the start of the harvest season, encouraging gratitude for nature’s abundance.
Key Rituals and Practices on Sankranti
Sankranti rituals vary across regions but generally include the following:
1. Holy Bath
Taking a dip in sacred rivers, such as the Ganga or Yamuna, is a common practice. This is believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul.
2. Charity and Donations
Giving alms to the needy is highly encouraged on Sankranti. Donating clothes, food, or money helps spread positive karma.
3. Offering Prayers
Special pujas are performed to honor the Sun God (Surya Dev). Devotees offer water, flowers, and prayers to seek blessings for prosperity and health.
4. Preparing Festive Dishes
Delicious traditional dishes such as til ladoo, khichdi, and pongal are prepared and shared with family and friends.
5. Fasting and Meditation
Many devotees observe fasts and engage in meditation to enhance spiritual discipline and inner peace.
6. Kite Flying
In some regions, particularly during Makara Sankranti, kite flying is a popular activity that symbolizes freedom and joy.
Special Sankranti Festivals in 2025
While all Sankrantis are significant, a few stand out due to their cultural and regional importance:
1. Makara Sankranti
- Marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn (Makara Rashi).
- Celebrated with grand festivities across India, such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Maghi in Punjab.
2. Mesha Sankranti
- Observed as the start of the Hindu solar calendar.
- Celebrated as Pana Sankranti in Odisha and Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal.
3. Karka Sankranti
- Marks the Sun’s transition into Cancer (Karka Rashi).
- Known as Dakshinayana Punyakalam, signifying the Sun's southward journey.
How to Observe Sankranti at Home
If you are unable to visit temples or holy sites, you can still observe Sankranti from the comfort of your home:
Cleanse Your Space: Start by thoroughly cleaning your home to create a sacred environment.
Perform Puja: Set up a small altar with a picture or idol of the Sun God. Offer water, flowers, and light a diya.
Chant Mantras: Recite mantras such as the Gayatri Mantra or the Aditya
Hridayam to invoke the Sun’s blessings.
Cook and Share Food: Prepare traditional Sankranti dishes and share them with loved ones as a gesture of gratitude.
Practice Self-Reflection: Spend time meditating or journaling about your goals and aspirations for the month ahead.
Conclusion
The 2025 Sankranti Calendar offers a unique opportunity to align with the Sun’s energy and embrace the positive changes it brings. By observing Sankranti with devotion and mindfulness, you can cultivate prosperity, harmony, and spiritual growth throughout the year.
Each Sankranti is a reminder of the Sun’s eternal journey and its vital role in sustaining life on Earth.
Make Sankranti a part of your spiritual practice in 2025, and let the Sun illuminate your path toward success and happiness. Happy Sankranti!