Sankranti Surya Rashi Pravesh

‘Surya Rashi Pravesh, also known as Surya Sankranti and most of the times referred ‘Sankranti’ only.

Sankranti is a Sanskrit word that refers to a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India. It is derived from the word “Sankramana,” which means “transition” or “movement.” Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into a new zodiac sign or astrological phase.

The astrological term used to describe the movement of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. In Vedic astrology, the zodiac is divided into twelve signs or Rashi, and the Sun spends approximately one month in each sign. This is based on solar calendar and lunar calendar is not applicable in calculating Sankranti days.

Surya Rashi Pravesh marks the beginning of a new solar month.

In Indian Hindu calendar Mesh (Aries) Sankranti (falls on April 13, 14 or 15th) is the first Sankranti of the Hindu year.

When the Sun enters a new zodiac sign, it is considered an important astrological event. Some major festival of India is based on this solar calendar and observed on Sankranti or specific dates as ‘Vishwakarma puja’ observed on 17th September. Sankranti is believed to influence various aspects of life, including individual traits, health, career, and relationships, based on the characteristics of the specific zodiac sign.

The approximate entry dates of the Sun into each zodiac sign based on the Hindu calendar Niryan System

Aries (Mesh Sankranti): Around April 13 or 14

Taurus (Vrishabha Sankranti): Around May 14

Gemini (Mithuna Sankranti): Around June 14

Cancer (Karka Sankranti): Around July 16

Leo (Simha Sankranti): Around August 16

Virgo (Kanya Sankranti): Around September 16

Libra (Tula Sankranti): Around October 17

Scorpio (Vrishchika Sankranti): Around November 16

Sagittarius (Dhanu Sankranti): Around December 17

Capricorn (Makara Sankranti): Around January 14

Aquarius (Kumbha Sankranti): Around February 12

Pisces (Meena Sankranti): Around March 14

The entry dates of the Sun into each zodiac sign according to the Hindu calendar varies approximately after 24 days from the Western Gregorian calendar. Main reason for this is Indian Hindu calendar system is based on Sidereal system of astrology  (Niryana system) and western astrology is based on Tropical system.

Variation of Days

Surya Sankranti refers to the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another. The dates of Surya Sankranti can vary from year to year. but this variation is not more than the 2-3 days. either it is +1 or -1 day from the almost fixed day of sankranti, for example if the Makar sankranti usually falls on 14th january so it can fall only on 13th or 15th January in calibaration of caladear.

Astrologers study the position of the Sun and its influence on other planetary placements at the time of Surya Rashi Pravesh to make predictions and provide guidance for individuals. They analyze the effects of the Sun’s movement into a particular sign and how it interacts with other planetary energies.

Many people believe that Surya Rashi Pravesh is an auspicious time to initiate new ventures, make important decisions, or seek blessings for positive changes in life. It is also a time to acknowledge and honour the energy of the Sun, which is associated with vitality, leadership, and spiritual consciousness in Vedic astrology.

To determine the date of Surya Rashi Pravesh for a specific year, it is recommended to consult an authoritative astrological almanac or calendar, or seek guidance from a professional astrologer or author of this article Prama Chopra who can provide accurate and personalized information based on your location and time zone.

Main Sankranti festivals

Mesh Sankranti

Baisakhi

Based on Solar calendar Baisakhi festival , also known as Vaisakhi, is a significant festival celebrated in the northern Indian state of Punjab and among the Panjabi and Sikh community worldwide. It holds religious, cultural, and historical importance.

Baisakhi is typically observed on April 13th or 14th every year, and it marks the harvest festival for farmers in the Punjab region. The festival also commemorates the formation of the Khalsa, the Sikh community’s collective identity, in 1699.

Satua Sankranti

‘Sattu or Satua Sankranti’ is predominantly celebrated in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where sattu (food cereal) holds significant cultural and culinary importance. It serves as a reminder of the region’s agricultural heritage and the traditional food practices associated with it.

This Sankranti is primarily an agricultural festival that signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer, warmer days. It is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, harvests, and expressing gratitude to the gods for a good harvest season. The festival is celebrated with traditional rituals, cultural activities, and various regional customs.

Pohela Boishakh

Bengali New Year, also known as “Pohela Boishakh,” is the traditional New Year’s celebration observed in the Bengali calendar, which is followed by the Bengali-speaking people in the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam, as well as in Bangladesh. The celebration typically takes place on April 14th or 15th each year, coinciding with the solar New Year as per the Gregorian calendar.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti Celebrated on January 14th or 15th, it is one of the most widely celebrated Sankranti festivals across India.

Makar Sankranti, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India and Nepal. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara), which usually occurs on January 14th or 15th each year. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in different ways across different regions.

During Sankranti, people decorate their homes with colourful Rangoli designs, wear new clothes, and gather with family and friends to celebrate. They offer prayers to the sun god, take holy dips in sacred rivers like the Ganges, and perform charitable acts. The festival also holds cultural significance as it brings communities together and strengthens social bonds.

Sankranti is not only celebrated by Hindus but also observed by Sikhs and some other communities in India. It showcases the rich cultural diversity and unity of the country, highlighting the importance of agriculture and the changing seasons in people’s lives. The common elements of the festival include flying kites, preparing special dishes using freshly harvested crops, exchanging sweets and gifts, and performing religious rituals.

Here is a list of some major Sankranti festivals celebrated in different parts of India:

Pongal

Celebrated in Tamil Nadu, it coincides with Makar Sankranti and is a four-day harvest festival.

Lohri

Celebrated in Punjab and other parts of North India on January 13th, it marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days.

Magh Bihu

Celebrated in Assam, it is a harvest festival observed in mid-January to mark the end of the harvest season.

Uttarayan

Celebrated in Gujarat, it is known for its vibrant kite-flying competitions and festivities held on January 14th.

Bhogali Bihu: Celebrated in Assam, it is a harvest festival that takes place in mid-January, emphasizing feasting and community gatherings.

Thai Pongal

Celebrated in Tamil Nadu, it is a thanksgiving festival held in mid-January to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

Sankranti or Pedda Panduga

Celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it marks the transition of the sun into Makara (Capricorn) and is observed with great enthusiasm.

Makara Vilakku

Celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, it is a significant event when the Makarajyothi, a celestial light, is witnessed by devotees.

Khichdi Parv

Celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, it is a festival where people prepare and relish khichdi (a rice and lentil dish) to celebrate the end of winter.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, as there are many more regional and local variations of Sankranti celebrated across India and Nepal, each with its own unique customs and traditions.