Festivals
Date
Dakshinayanam - Begins
Sankramana (Sun Transit)
About
Dakshinayanam Begins marks the start of the Sun's six-month southward journey in the Nirayana (sidereal) system. This phase begins when the Sun enters the Karka (Cancer) zodiac sign, coinciding with Karka Sankranti.
Significance:
While Uttarayanam is the day of the Devas, Dakshinayanam corresponds to their night. This period is dedicated to spiritual introspection, worship of the Pitrus (ancestors), and honoring the Divine Mother (Devi). It is an excellent time for Sadhana, penance, and inner purification.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Pitru Tarpana: Performing rituals for ancestors, as this period is highly significant for ancestral worship (especially during Pitru Paksha). 2. Devi Worship: Celebrating major goddess festivals like Navaratri and Varalakshmi Vratam. 3. Fasting: Observing vratas like Chaturmasya to focus on spiritual growth and restraint. 4. Holy Bath: Taking a sacred dip in rivers on the day of Karka Sankranti.