Question

Which period is called Dakshinayan?
A. 21st June to 22nd December
B. 21st November to 22nd December.
C. 21st October to 22nd December
D. None of the above.

Answer 1

Hint: Dakshinayan is referred to as the period when the sun travels back from Cancer to Capricorn which is from North to South direction.

Complete answer:
Option A, 21st June to 22nd December is the time period when the sun rotates from Cancer to Capricorn which is from North to South direction which is known as Dakshinayan. This period starts from 21st June and continues till six months in which nights are longer and days are shorter. The period is marked by fasts, yagyas, worship and other religious activities because traditionally people believe it is a period of desires and lust. This period is considered the night time for God and meant for purification. Dakshinayan is just the opposite of Uttarayan. So, it is the correct answer.
The Sun rotates its position twice in a year and these changes are known as Uttarayan i.e. Summer solstice and the other is Dakshinayan, i.e. Winter solstice. Uttarayan starts from Makar Sankranti which represents positivity and is celebrated on 14th January every year. In this period of six months the sun rotates from Capricorn to Cancer which is from South to North direction, i.e. from 22nd December to 21st June. At this time, the days are longer and the nights are shorter. This period is marked by festivals, marriages, devas, donations and pilgrimages. In the festival of Makar Sankranti people fly kites which leads to a healthy skin by soaking the rays of the sun. It is considered to be the day time for God and leads to enlightenment and new beginnings.
Option B has no relevance with the question.
Option C also has no relevance and an incorrect answer.
Option D is an invalid option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A)

Note: Dakshinayan is made up of two words ‘dakshin’ means south and ‘ayana’ means movement, i.e. south movement. Similarly, Uttarayan is also made up of two words ‘uttara’ means north and ‘ayana’ means movement, i.e. north movement.