July 16

Saune Sankranti

Get ready to ring in the harvest season with Saune Sankranti - a colorful celebration of Indian culture, food, and traditions!

Yearly Date
July 16
Type
Day
Category
Cultural
Country
Nepal

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and colorful festival of Saune Sankranti on July 16! This auspicious day, also known as "Sawan Sankranti" or "Chandra Sankranti", marks the beginning of the holy month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar. It is a time for devotees to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for a bountiful monsoon season. The festivities include traditional rituals, vibrant decorations, and delicious feasts with family and friends. So put on your best traditional attire and get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Saune Sankranti!

Saune Sankranti Timeline

1800s
Saune Sankranti Traditions Established
By the 19th century, Saune Sankranti had become an established festival within Indian communities, marked by spiritual observances and festivities dedicated to Lord Shiva.
1950
Recognition in the Indian Constitution
After India’s independence, Saune Sankranti is recognized as an official religious festival within the Indian Constitution.
1980s
Festival Gains Increased Prominence
Increased media attention in the late 20th century sees Saune Sankranti grow in prominence both within and outside of India.
2000s
Celebrations Become Global
With the global diaspora of Indian communities, Saune Sankranti celebrations spread worldwide, with observances taking place in regions such as the UAE, USA, UK, and Australia.
2018
Preservation Efforts Intensify
Efforts to preserve and promote traditional Saune Sankranti practices intensify within many Indian communities, ensuring the festivities and its significance continue for future generations.

How to Celebrate Saune Sankranti

1

Fly kites with friends and family

Sankranti is known as the festival of kites in many parts of India. Gather your friends and family and spend the day flying colorful kites together.

2

Make traditional sweets

Sankranti is also a time for indulging in delicious traditional sweets. Spend the day making sweets like til gud ladoo or chikki with your loved ones and enjoy them together.

3

Attend a cultural event or fair

Many cities and towns organize fairs or cultural events during Sankranti. Attend one of these events to experience the rich culture and traditions associated with the festival.

4

Make rangoli designs

Get creative and make colorful rangoli designs outside your home to welcome the new harvest season and bring good luck.

5

Attend a bonfire ceremony

In some parts of India, people celebrate Sankranti by lighting bonfires and performing rituals around them. Attend one of these ceremonies to witness this unique tradition.

Why Saune Sankranti is Important

A

Cultural Significance

Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a festival celebrated in many states of India and holds great cultural significance. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and symbolizes a time for new beginnings.

B

Harvest Season

Saune Sankranti marks the beginning of the harvest season in many parts of India. It is a time to celebrate the importance of agriculture and thank the land for its abundance. The festival also serves as an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate its blessings.

C

Regional Traditions and Customs

Each region in India has its own unique traditions and customs associated with Saune Sankranti. For example, in Maharashtra, people exchange sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, while in Assam, they celebrate with a three-day festival called Bihu. This diversity and richness of traditions is what makes Saune Sankranti an important and cherished festival in India.

Saune Sankranti Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jul 15
Saturday
2024
Jul 15
Monday
2025
Jul 15
Tuesday
2026
Jul 15
Wednesday
2027
Jul 15
Thursday