What is Sankranti in the Hindu Calendar?

Sankranti is the auspicious solar event that occurs when the Sun (Surya) transits from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to another. Unlike lunar festivals, Sankranti follows the solar calendar and is observed almost every month. Each Sankranti holds special spiritual significance for holy baths, Surya worship, charity, Annadanam, Gau Seva, and temple donations.

In 2026, devotees will observe 12 major Sankrantis, with Makara Sankranti being the most important and widely celebrated across India.

Sankranti Calendar 2026 – Month-wise Dates & Exact Timings (IST)

Note: Sankranti timings are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Local Panchang timings may vary slightly by location.

Sankranti Muhurat, Punya Kaal & Maha Punya Kaal

Sankranti Muhurat

Sankranti Muhurat begins at the exact moment of Surya Sankramana (Sun’s zodiac transition). If Sankranti occurs during the daytime, rituals and charity are performed the same day. If it occurs after sunset, Punya Kaal is generally observed the next morning.

Punya Kaal on Sankranti

Punya Kaal is the most auspicious period for religious activities and donations on Sankranti. Performing daan during Punya Kaal is believed to multiply spiritual merit.

Recommended activities during Punya Kaal:

• Holy bath (Snan)
• Annadanam (food donation)
• Gau Seva and Gau Daan
• Donation of grains, til (sesame), jaggery, clothes, and utensils
• Surya Arghya and temple worship

Maha Punya Kaal

Maha Punya Kaal is the most powerful part of Punya Kaal. Charity and rituals done during this time yield maximum punya and are especially beneficial for Pitru Shanti and long-term prosperity.

Importance of Donation (Daan) on Sankranti

According to Hindu scriptures, Sankranti is among the most powerful days for daan and charity. Donations made on Sankranti help:

• Remove negative karma and obstacles
• Bring prosperity, health, and peace
• Attain blessings of Surya Dev
• Provide ancestral satisfaction (Pitru Krupa)

Most Auspicious Donations on Sankranti

• Annadanam Seva – Feeding the hungry and needy
• Gau Seva / Gau Daan – Cow feeding and protection
• Temple Seva – Support daily pujas and rituals
• Vastra Daan – Clothing donation
• Anna & Til Daan – Grain and sesame charity

Month-wise Significance of Sankranti in 2026

• Makara Sankranti: Start of Uttarayana, highly auspicious for all daan
• Kumbha & Meena Sankranti: Charity and purification
• Mesha Sankranti: Solar New Year in many regions
• Karka Sankranti: Beginning of Dakshinayana
• Tula & Vrischika Sankranti: Ideal for temple seva and Pitru-related charity

Regional Names & Celebrations of Sankranti

• Makara Sankranti – North India
• Pongal – Tamil Nadu
• Uttarayan – Gujarat
• Lohri – Punjab (associated festival)
• Bhogi – Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Disclaimer: The remedies, benefits, advice, and statements mentioned in this article are for general information purposes only. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation do not endorse the content presented in this article. The information contained herein has been gathered from various sources, including astrologers, panchangs, sermons, beliefs, religious texts, and legends. Readers are advised not to regard this article as the ultimate truth or claim and to exercise their own discretion. Shri Ram Temple Kamarpal and Suma Blessings Foundation oppose superstition.