Kataka Sankramana, Dakshinayana Parvakala

Kataka Sankramana (or Karkataka Sankramana) marks the Sun's entry into the Cancer (Kataka) zodiac sign, which signals the beginning of Dakshinayana (the Sun's southward journey). This period lasts for six months until Makara Sankramana. It is considered an auspicious time for Pitru Tarpanam (offerings to ancestors), charity, and spiritual practices.