Difference Between Uttarayan and Dakshinayan
Even though Uttarayan and Dakshinayan are considered opposite to each other. They each have their own importance as per the Hindu religious practices. In the following table, let us see the differences between Uttarayan and Dakshinayan in detail.
Uttarayan vs Dakshinayan
Difference Between Uttarayan and Dakshinayan | |
Uttarayan | Dakshinayan |
The meaning of Uttarayan is Summer Solstice. | The meaning of Dakshinayan is Winter Solstice. |
It is associated with positive energy. | It is associated with negative energy. |
The spiritual and auspicious activities are conducted in the Uttarayan. | The spiritual and auspicious activities are not conducted in the Dakshinayan. |
The seasons involved in Uttarayan are Winter with Spring and Summer. | The seasons involved in Uttarayan are monsoon, autumn, and winter. |
The days are usually longer than the nights in Uttarayan. | The nights are usually longer than the days in Dakshinayan. |
Uttarayan and Dakshinayan Overview
The difference between Uttarayan and Dakshinayan lies entirely in their significance to Hindu religious practices. Uttaryan is considered auspicious for enlightenment, whereas Dakshinayan is for purification, with fasting and worshipping given increased prominence during this period.
What is Uttarayan?
The summer solstice is called the Uttarayan, which starts on the day of Makar Sankranti, the 14th of January. This six-month-long period is when the Sun starts travelling towards the North. It symbolises positivity and encourages donations, marriages, charities, and other good occasions.
During this time, days are longer than nights. Rays of the Sun are considered healthy during Uttarayan; people leverage the benefits of sunbath by flying kites on the festival. The northward movement of the Sun spans three seasons winter, spring, and summer.
What is Dakhsinayan?
Dakshinayan is the opposite of Uttarayan and marks the period when the Sun travels back to Capricorn towards the South. The seasons of winter, monsoon, and autumn fall during this period.
It begins at the end of June, and the period is associated with negativity which is why auspicious work is generally avoided during Dakshinayan. Nights are longer than days during the period.
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