Karka Sankranti कर्क संक्रांती
The Sun turns south - Dakshinayana, the night of the gods, begins.
- Sun enters
- Karka (Cancer)
- Around
- mid-July (~16 Jul)
- Ayana
- Dakshinayana (southward)
- Worship
- Surya (the Sun)
Significance
Karka Sankranti is the Sun's turn to its southern course - the traditional start of Dakshinayana, the darker, inward half of the year long called 'the night of the gods'. Where Makar Sankranti opens the auspicious Uttarayana, Karka Sankranti opens its counterpart.
How it is observed
In Kerala it begins Karkidakam, the 'Ramayana month' of daily scripture reading and the Ayurvedic Karkidaka Kanji diet; in Tamil Nadu it opens the month of Aadi. Falling near Devshayani Ekadashi and the start of Chaturmas, it is held less suited to weddings and new ventures and more to prayer, fasting and charity.
The Sun’s course
Karka Sankranti falls in the Sun’s Dakshinayana - its southward, inward half of the year. The year’s two turning points are Makar Sankranti (the turn to Uttarayana, mid-January) and Karka Sankranti (the turn to Dakshinayana, mid-July). See the full Sankranti guide for all twelve solar ingresses of the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is Karka Sankranti?
Karka Sankranti is the Sun's turn to its southern course - the traditional start of Dakshinayana, the darker, inward half of the year long called 'the night of the gods'. Where Makar Sankranti opens the auspicious Uttarayana, Karka Sankranti opens its counterpart.
When is Karka Sankranti in Mumbai, MH?
Karka Sankranti falls in mid-July (~16 Jul); the next one for Mumbai, MH is on 17 July 2027. Being set by the solar calendar, its date barely shifts from year to year.
Which sign does the Sun enter on Karka Sankranti?
On Karka Sankranti the Sun leaves the previous sign and enters Karka (Cancer), the fourth sign of the zodiac. This falls in the Sun's Dakshinayana (southward) course.
How is Karka Sankranti observed?
In Kerala it begins Karkidakam, the 'Ramayana month' of daily scripture reading and the Ayurvedic Karkidaka Kanji diet; in Tamil Nadu it opens the month of Aadi. Falling near Devshayani Ekadashi and the start of Chaturmas, it is held less suited to weddings and new ventures and more to prayer, fasting and charity.
Last updated 26 July 2026