The Sun's sidereal transits (Sankranti) that carry festival significance across India, with the regional names each is celebrated under.
Upcoming Sankranti Festivals
January 14, 2026
Makar Sankranti
The Sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn), marking the start of Uttarayana. The same date is celebrated under different regional names: Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Uttarayan (Gujarat), Lohri eve (Punjab), Bhogali Bihu (Assam), and Makar Sankranti across most of North and Central India.
April 14, 2026
Mesha Sankranti (Solar New Year)
The Sun's transit into Mesha (Aries), marking the solar new year celebrated under different regional names: Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Vishu (Kerala), Baisakhi (Punjab), Pana Sankranti (Odisha), and Bohag Bihu (Assam).
July 16, 2026
Karka Sankranti
The Sun's transit into Karka (Cancer), marking the start of Dakshinayana — the Sun's southward journey — and the beginning of the Tamil month of Aadi.
