The twelve rashis
- Mesha (Aries) — ruled by Mangala (Mars)
- Vrishabha (Taurus) — Shukra (Venus)
- Mithuna (Gemini) — Budha (Mercury)
- Karka (Cancer) — Chandra (Moon)
- Simha (Leo) — Surya (Sun)
- Kanya (Virgo) — Budha (Mercury)
- Tula (Libra) — Shukra (Venus)
- Vrishchika (Scorpio) — Mangala (Mars)
- Dhanu (Sagittarius) — Guru (Jupiter)
- Makara (Capricorn) — Shani (Saturn)
- Kumbha (Aquarius) — Shani (Saturn)
- Meena (Pisces) — Guru (Jupiter)
Sankrantis — the Sun changing sign
Each month the Sun enters a new rashi; that day is a Sankranti. Two are great festivals: Makar Sankranti, when the Sun enters Makara (about 14–15 January), and Mesha Sankranti, the solar new year (about 14 April — Baisakhi, Vishu, Puthandu). Because the Hindu zodiac is sidereal, these fall about three weeks after the Western solstice and equinox.
The Panchang on The Hindu Book is calculated for daily reference (Lahiri ayanamsa). For muhurats for weddings, griha pravesh and other major events, consult a learned priest or jyotishi.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Hindu rashi different from my Western sign?
Hindu astrology uses the sidereal zodiac (fixed stars), which differs from the Western tropical zodiac by about 24° (the ayanamsa).
What is a Sankranti?
The day the Sun moves into a new rashi; Makar and Mesha Sankranti are major festivals.