2024 Karka Sankranti Date Puja Timings
Know the details about the 2024 Karka Sankranti Date Puja Timings Latest Information, Significance of Karka Sankranthi, Dakshinayana Details, and More.
Karka Sankranti 2024: Date, Puja Timings, Tarpanam Timings, and More
Karka Sankranti, also known as Karkataka Sankranti, marks the transition of the Sun into the Cancer zodiac sign (Karka Rashi). This auspicious day holds great significance in Hindu culture and is celebrated with various rituals and ceremonies. In 2024, Karka Sankranti will be observed on July 16th. This article delves into the details of 2024 Karka Sankranti Date Puja Timings, tarpanam timings, dakshinayana details, and instructions for performing tarpanam at home.
2024 Karka Sankranti Date Puja Timings
Karka Sankranti Date:
- Date: July 16, 2024
- Time of Sankranti: 10:45 AM (IST)
Puja Timings:
The puja for Karka Sankranti should ideally be performed during the Punya Kaal Muhurat, which is considered highly auspicious. The Punya Kaal Muhurat for Karka Sankranti 2024 is as follows:
- Punya Kaal Muhurat: 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM (IST)
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Tarpanam Timings:
Tarpanam is a ritual performed to honor and offer oblations to ancestors. The best time to perform tarpanam on Karka Sankranti is during the afternoon:
- Tarpanam Muhurat: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (IST)
Significance of Karka Sankranti
Karka Sankranti holds immense importance in Hindu tradition due to its association with the Sun’s transit and the onset of Dakshinayana. Here are some of the key aspects of its significance:
Sun’s Transit: Karka Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into the Cancer zodiac sign. This transition is believed to influence the Earth’s energy and bring about significant changes in nature and human life.
Dakshinayana: With Karka Sankranti, the Sun begins its southward journey, known as Dakshinayana. This period lasts for six months until Makar Sankranti, when the Sun starts its northward journey (Uttarayana). Dakshinayana is considered a time for introspection, spiritual growth, and paying homage to ancestors.
Rituals and Ceremonies: Various rituals, including pujas, yagnas, and charity, are performed on Karka Sankranti to seek the blessings of the Sun God (Surya). People also take holy dips in rivers, believing it purifies the soul and washes away sins.
Agricultural Significance: Karka Sankranti is also significant for farmers as it marks the beginning of the monsoon season, which is crucial for agriculture in many parts of India.
Dakshinayana Details
Dakshinayana, the southern journey of the Sun, begins with Karka Sankranti and has both cultural and spiritual implications. Here are some important aspects of Dakshinayana:
- Duration: Dakshinayana lasts for six months, from Karka Sankranti to Makar Sankranti.
- Spiritual Significance: During Dakshinayana, it is believed that the deities and celestial beings enter a state of rest. Consequently, this period is dedicated to spiritual practices, meditation, and performing rituals for ancestors.
- Festivals: Several important festivals such as Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Kartik Purnima fall within the Dakshinayana period.
- Health and Wellness: According to Ayurvedic principles, Dakshinayana is considered a time to focus on health and wellness. People are encouraged to follow a balanced diet, engage in physical activities, and maintain mental well-being.
How to Perform Tarpanam at Home
Performing tarpanam at home is a way to honor and offer gratitude to your ancestors. Follow these steps to conduct tarpanam:
Materials Needed:
- A brass or copper plate
- A small container of water (preferably a copper vessel)
- Black sesame seeds
- Rice grains
- Sandalwood paste
- Fresh flowers
- Betel leaves
- A lit oil lamp and incense sticks
Steps to Perform Tarpanam:
- Preparation: Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Find a quiet and clean place to perform the ritual.
- Setup: Place the brass or copper plate on the ground and fill the small container with water. Arrange the other items within reach.
- Invocation: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha and other deities to remove obstacles and bless the ritual.
- Offering Water: Pour water into the plate while reciting the names of your ancestors. Offer water three times for each ancestor.
- Sesame Seeds and Rice: Mix black sesame seeds with rice grains. Hold a pinch of this mixture in your right hand and offer it onto the plate while chanting mantras for your ancestors.
- Sandalwood Paste: Apply sandalwood paste to betel leaves and place them on the plate as an offering.
- Final Prayers: Light the oil lamp and incense sticks. Pray for the peace and liberation of your ancestors’ souls.
- Conclusion: Conclude the ritual by seeking blessings from your ancestors and thanking them for their guidance and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Karka Sankranti?
Karka Sankranti marks the Sun’s entry into the Cancer zodiac sign and the beginning of Dakshinayana. It is an auspicious day for performing rituals and honoring ancestors.
When is Karka Sankranti in 2024?
Karka Sankranti in 2024 falls on July 16th.
What are the puja timings for Karka Sankranti 2024?
The Punya Kaal Muhurat for Karka Sankranti 2024 is from 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM (IST).
How do I perform tarpanam at home?
To perform tarpanam, you need a brass or copper plate, water, black sesame seeds, rice grains, sandalwood paste, fresh flowers, betel leaves, an oil lamp, and incense sticks. Follow the steps outlined in this article to conduct the ritual.
What is the significance of Dakshinayana?
Dakshinayana, the southward journey of the Sun, begins with Karka Sankranti and lasts for six months. It is a period for spiritual practices, honoring ancestors, and focusing on health and wellness.
Can I perform tarpanam at any other time?
While tarpanam can be performed on various auspicious days, doing it on Karka Sankranti is especially beneficial due to the Sun’s transition and the onset of Dakshinayana.
Karka Sankranti is a significant day in Hindu culture marked by the Sun’s transition into Cancer and the commencement of Dakshinayana. Observing this day with rituals, pujas, and tarpanam helps individuals connect with their spiritual roots, pay homage to their ancestors, and seek divine blessings for a prosperous future. This is the brief information about the 2024 Karka Sankranti Date Puja Timings in detail.
