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Calendar & Panchang
Sankrantiसंक्रांति
The Sun's transition from one zodiac sign into the next, occurring twelve times a year in the Hindu solar calendar.
Detailed Explanation
Sankranti marks the moment the Sun enters a new rashi (zodiac sign), defining the twelve solar months of the Hindu calendar. The most celebrated is Makar Sankranti (the Sun's entry into Capricorn, around January 14-15), which begins Uttarayana — the Sun's northward course, considered the auspicious half of the year — and is observed as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi/Lohri season in Punjab, and Uttarayan (the kite festival) in Gujarat. Other notable sankrantis include Mesha Sankranti, which begins the solar new year celebrated as Vishu, Pana Sankranti, and Baisakhi in different regions. Sankranti days are traditionally devoted to charity (daan), holy-river bathing, and til (sesame) and jaggery preparations.
Related Terms
Panchangपंचांग
The Hindu calendar and almanac system based on five elements.
Adhik Maasअधिक मास
The intercalary "extra month" inserted into the Hindu lunar calendar roughly every 32.5 months to keep it aligned with the solar year.
Tithiतिथि
Lunar day in the Hindu calendar, one of the five elements of Panchang.
Varaवार
The weekday — one of the five elements of the Panchang, each day ruled by one of the nine grahas.