Karka Sankranti 2028 कर्क संक्रान्ति
Sunday, 16 July 2028
Sun Ingress Time
09:23 IST
Sun Enters
Karka (Cancer)
Deity
Surya, Pitru-gana
Maha Punya Kaal
16 Jul 07:47 AM
Punya Kaal Start
16 Jul 02:59 AM
Punya Kaal End
16 Jul 03:47 PM
Significance
Sun begins Dakshinayan (southward journey) — the inauspicious half of the year. Marks the start of Pitru-related observances. Devshayani Ekadashi falls close.
Rituals
- Tarpan to ancestors begins building merit toward Pitru Paksha
- Snan at sacred sites
Punya Kaal — The Auspicious Window
Duration: 16 ghati (~6h 24m) before AND after the exact Sankranti moment, totaling ~12h 48m
- Bathing in sacred rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Kshipra, Narmada, Kaveri) during Punya Kaal multiplies merit 1000-fold
- Donations made during Punya Kaal carry maximum punya — especially til (sesame), gud (jaggery), warm clothes, blankets
- Tarpan to ancestors is highly meritorious
- Avoid travel and major commitments at the exact sankranti moment — wait for it to pass
- Pregnant women avoid stepping outdoors during the actual transit moment
Mantras
Surya Mantra
ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं सः सूर्याय नमः
Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah
Meaning: Salutations to Surya
Aditya Hridayam (opening)
ॐ नमो भगवते आदित्याय। ॐ खखोल्काय नमः।
Om Namo Bhagavate Adityaya. Om Khakholkaya Namah.
Meaning: Salutations to Lord Aditya, the brilliant Sun.
Surya Gayatri
ॐ भास्कराय विद्महे महद्द्युतिकराय धीमहि। तन्नो आदित्यः प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Bhaskaraya Vidmahe Mahad-dyutikaraya Dhimahi. Tanno Adityah Prachodayat.
Meaning: We meditate on Bhaskara, the illuminator. May Aditya inspire us.