Karka Sankranti, also known as Kark Sankranti, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Cancer. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of India, especially in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam. The festival falls on 16th July every year according to the Hindu calendar.

During Karka Sankranti, people offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and take holy dips in rivers and water bodies to seek blessings and purify their souls. Special food items made of paddy, coconut, and sugarcane are prepared and shared with family and friends. The festival also signifies the beginning of the monsoon season and the sowing of rice crops in many regions.

Karka Sankranti holds cultural and traditional significance as it marks the beginning of the Dakshinayana phase of the Sun's journey. People decorate their homes with rangoli, mango leaves, and flowers, and perform rituals to invoke prosperity and well-being. It is a time for bonding with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive feasts in honor of the Sun God.