Uttarayan and Dakshinayan

Uttarayana is a path to enlightenment. This is the time of receptivity, grace and illumination, and ultimate accomplishment. Dakshinayan is made up of three seasons: winter, autumn, and monsoon. The sky is cloudy during Dakshinayan. Dakshinayana is a sadhana that is used for cleansing. 

Uttarayan

Uttarayan announces the arrival of spring as well as the beginning of the agricultural season. Desserts, mouthwatering, and other food items are offered to relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances as a gesture to let go of old grievances and start the new year on a brighter note of optimism, compassion, and togetherness. Flying kites has health advantages — Kite soaring is among the main attractions of Gujarat’s Uttarayan festival. 

While it is today regarded as a recreation, it was not always considered as one – it had once been considered that kite soaring was linked to good wellbeing since the participant would indeed be exposed to direct sunlight for a longer length of time. 

Uttarayan is India’s equivalent of Thanksgiving. Uttarayan is analogous to Thanksgiving in Western society in many respects. Uttarayan, like Thanksgiving, brings agriculture prosperity, and happiness. This is also the period of the year when people are invited with their family members to celebrate. 

Uttarayan was observed on December 31 several generations ago – the date of Uttarayan is deferred by one day every eight years due to the revolution of the earth around the sun. Uttarayan is believed to have been observed on December 31st a thousand years ago.

Dakshinayan 

Dakshinayan is considered directly opposite to Uttarayan, as the name implies. It is the time when the Sun returns from Cancer to Capricorn, or from North to South. Because the Sun moves to the south, this trip is known as Dakshinayan. 

Around the 21st of June, the summer solstice occurs. As a result, beginning on June 21, the Sunrise progressively shifts to the south. This will continue till December 22nd. According to Indian astronomy, the Sunrise is considered to be dakshinayan, traveling south in this era. It is the time between Karka and Makar Sankranti. During this time, the days are longer than the nights. 

Various auspicious works are forbidden at this time. Essentially, it is supposed to be a time of cravings and lust. Fasting, yagyas, worship, and other religious actions thereby alleviate illnesses and sorrows. 

Difference Between Uttarayan And Dakshinayan 

Uttarayan 

• Summer Equinox is sometimes referred to as Uttarayan
• Uttarayan is divided into three seasons: winter, spring, and summer
• Uttarayan’s symbol is positivity
• In Uttarayan, the days are longer and the nights are shorter
• During Uttarayan, auspicious works are promoted
• Uttarayan begins about the 22nd of December and lasts for around 6 months, till around the 21st of June

 Dakshinayan 

• Dakshinayan is another name for the Winter Solstice
• Dakshinayan is made up of three seasons: winter, autumn, and monsoon
• Negativity is related to Dakshinayan
• Dakshinayan is related to shorter days and longer nights
• During Dakshinayan, auspicious works are discouraged
• Dakshinayan commences approximately on June 21st or 22nd

Conclusion 

We discussed Uttarayan, Dakshinayan & Difference Between Uttarayan & Dakshinayan, and other related topics through the study material notes on the difference between uttarayan and dakshinayan. 

Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti, is the season when the Sun moves from South to North. Individuals in the early days waited for Uttarayan to sacrifice his life, according to the Puranas and epics. 

Dakshinayan is known as the Kal Devas’ night. During Dakshinayan, the nighttime is lengthier and the days are typically shorter. The Sun moves at an inclination during Dakshinayan.