Karka Sankranti is celebrated during the beginning of the monsoon season that denotes the harvest time which is a significant time for the farmers. At the point when Sun enters the Karka Rashi, it is called Karka Sankranti. It infers to the southern position of the Sun God, which is called Dakshinayana. Lord Vishnu is prayed and worshiped on this day. Giving clothes and charity on this day is said to be very propitious. Karka Sankranti marks the start of the monsoon season and Dakshinayana ends with Makar Sankranti and uttarayan starts. Amid all the four months of Dakshinayana, individuals pray to Lord Vishnu for his blessings. People who need to perform Pitru tarpan for their ancestors can perform it during Karka Sankranti to give harmony and pay their respect to the departed spirit.  

Significance of Karka Sankranti

The prime reason for puja and fasting on Karka Sankranti is to get alleviation from all the negative energy of life. Vishnu shrines Lord Varaha Swamy is venerated on Karka Sankranti. Chaturmasam beginning from Shravana to Karthika Masa falls amid Dakshinayana. Chaturmasam is a period of multiple festivities. Lord Vishnu is prayed and adored during this period. It is believed that one day of God's life is equivalent to a year in an individuals life. Henceforth, Dakshinayana marks the start of rising time for the Gods.  

Mythical Legend

Gods and goddesses rest during the Dakshinayana time of the year. As the sun enters Karka Rashi amid Dakshinayana, hence the name Karka Sankranti. Dakshinayana continues for a half year. It closes amid Makar Sankranti when the Uttarayana starts. The Sun moves into Southern side of the equator amid Dakshinayana and the period is viewed as the night time for Gods. This period is viewed as favorable for Pitru as they visit the Mother Earth during Dakshinayana. The ancestor spirits visit with a belief that their youngsters will pay them respect in the form of the holy custom of Shradh. The custom of Shradh has great importance in the Hindu religion as it empowers the spirit to accomplish divine harmony. Dakshinayana is viewed as the best time to perform Shradh and helps the departed ancestor soul gain peace and bless their generations.  

Rituals and Celebrations of Karka Sankranti

Devotees prepare for the day-long puja and fast amid sunrise. Lord Vishnu is prayed on this day. Devotees sing hymns related to Lord Vishnu Sand Surya Dev amid the puja ceremonies. It brings harmony and better karma for the devotees. Gifts, garments, and oil are given in donations. Alongside Lord Vishnu, the Sun God is additionally prayed and offered puja for the wellbeing and success on Karka Sankranti. One must abstain from beginning anything new or significant project on this day, as the day isn't auspicious for such things. Devotees also perform the custom of Pitru Tarpan for their ancestors and other departed spirits of their family. As they chant and recite mantras day by day amid the custom along with sattvic or pure food is eaten during this time by the devotees. Lord Vishnu blesses all during this time and enthusiasts chant Vishnu Sahastra Naam stotram while revering Varaha Swamy during the celebration. Varaha Swamy is believed to the third resurrection of Lord Vishnu. We at Askganesha have well-learned Purohits and astrologers who can perform this Puja on your behalf with all the necessary rituals. We wish Lord Vishnu bless you with wealth and prosperity this Karka Sankranti.