Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Sankranti

Karka Sankranti

Also called: Dakshinayana Sankranti

Karka Sankranti marks the counterpart to Makara Sankranti. The Sun transitions into Cancer (Karka) and begins its six-month southward journey (Dakshinayana). In Vedic tradition, Dakshinayana corresponds to the nighttime of the gods, associated with monsoon rains, introspection, austerities (Chaturmas), and ancestral propitiation.

Key facts

Paksha
Ayana Class (Solstice Ingress)
Lunar month
Sun enters Karka (Cancer) in Ashadha / Shravana
Observed on
The day the Sun enters Karka Rashi (~July 16-17)
Deities
Surya Dev, Lord Shiva, Departed Ancestors

The story

Classical texts state that as the Sun turns south, solar intensity softens and rain clouds gather. Devotees dedicate this transition to Shiva worship, fasting, and remembering departed ancestors.

Practices

  • Holy river bath during the Punya Kaal window (up to 30 ghatis before the ingress)
  • Offering ancestral Tarpan with water and sesame seeds
  • Worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu at the commencement of monsoon austerities
  • Charity of food grains, umbrellas, and green clothing

Regional variations

  • Marks the start of the Tamil month of Aadi and Malayalam month of Karkidakam (the sacred Ramayana month in Kerala)

Common questions

What is Dakshinayana?
Dakshinayana is the six-month period when the Sun travels toward the southern celestial hemisphere, traditionally associated with religious austerities and ancestor worship.

Types of Sankranti