The monsoon season starts from Karka Sankranti which is marked as the time of agriculture and it ends on the Makar Sankranti. During the four-month period of Karka Sankranti, people worship Lord Vishnu as it is considered to be a favourable time for Pitru tarpan and provide peace to the deceased souls.

When is Karka Sankranti?

As per the Gregorian Calendar, Karka Sankranti 2020 falls on 16th of the July month. The day when the sun begins his southern journey by entering into Karka Rashi is celebrated as Karka Sankranti in the Hindu religion which is also called Dakshinayana.

Karka Sankranti Significance

As the Sun enters the Karka Rashi during Dakshinayana, all the gods go to sleep for six months. It is said that as the Sun moves into the hemisphere during the Dakshinayana it is considered as night time for gods. Dakshinayana ends when the Uttarayana phase begins during Makar Sankranti.

During the Period of Dakshinayana, our Pitrus make their way to the mother earth and wait for their children to perform the rituals of Shradh which has significance as it permits the souls of our Pitru to gain divine peace. Dakshinayana is considered a highly auspicious time to perform the rituals of Shradh which helps the departed souls to attain a new life.

What to do on Karka Sankranti

People should offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and recite Vishnu Sahasranaam on Karka Sankranti. Donating food, clothes and oil on the occasion of Karka Sankranti to Brahmins and the needy is considered as highly auspicious in the Hindu culture. Devotees should also pray to Lord Surya on this day. It is mentioned in the religious scriptures that one must not start new work on Karka Sankranti as this time is considered to be inauspicious.

Benefits of Karka Sankranti

• Taking bath before sunrise on this day removes all the sins of your life and blesses you with the strength to start a new life in a positive way.
• Recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama brings peace and good luck into the devotee’s life.
• Worshipping Lord Surya on this day will bless you with sound health and riches.
• Observing fast on Karka Sankranti removes all the karmic effects of your life.