Ayanam

Uttarayanam

Uttarayanam is basically the period when the Sun travels from Capricorn to Cancer, i.e. from south to north. That’s the reason we call it Uttarayan The Uttarayanam period starts on January 14 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and ends at Karka Sankranti (July 16).

Dakshinayanam

Dakshinayanam is the six-month period between Summer solstice and Winter solstice, when the sun travels back from North to South; i.e. from Cancer to Capricorn. We generally see rains, autumn, and winters in this period of year. Dakshinayanam begins on Karka Sankranti or July 16, as it marks the transition of the Sun into Karka rashi (Cancer) and ends at Makar Sankranti.

It is believed that Uttarayanam is the day time period for God and Dakshinayanam is the night for them. At the start of Uttarayanam the Gods awake from a long slumber. So, Uttarayanam is considered as an auspicious period Dakshinayanam marks the period when the gods and goddesses are in their celestial sleep.

Uttarayanam (6 months) தை (Thai) to ஆனி Aani (Mid January to Mid July)
Dakshinayanam (6 months) - ஆடி (Aadi) - to மார்கழி (Marghazhi) (Mid July to Mid January)