In Jainism, Pratikraman is a significant ritual of repentance, reflection, and spiritual purification. The "right timing" for performing Pratikraman depends on the tradition (sect) and the specific type of Pratikraman being undertaken:

1. Samayik Pratikraman

• Performed: Immediately after Samayik (meditation and equanimity practice), usually twice daily.

2. Devasi (Evening) and Rai (Morning) Pratikraman

• Devasi Pratikraman: Performed in the evening, shortly after sunset.
• Rai Pratikraman: Performed in the early morning, just before sunrise.

3. Pakkhi Pratikraman

• Performed: Every fortnight, on the 14th day of each lunar fortnight (Chaturdashi).

4. Chaumasi Pratikraman

• Performed: Once every four months, particularly at the end of each Chaturmas (rainy season).

5. Annual Pratikraman

• Performed: Once a year, typically on Samvatsari (Shwetambar) or Kshamavani (Digambar), the day of forgiveness at the end of Paryushan.

General Guidelines

• Pratikraman should be performed with a pure mind, in a clean place, and ideally at the prescribed times above.
• If it is not possible to perform at the exact prescribed time, it is encouraged to do it as soon as one is able.
• Many lay Jains aim to perform at least the evening (Devasi) Pratikraman daily.

Reference

• "Jainism: The World of Conquerors" by Natubhai Shah
• "Jain Path of Purification" by Padmanabh S. Jaini

In summary: The most common practice is to perform Pratikraman twice daily—once in the early morning before sunrise and once in the evening after sunset. Special Pratikramans are observed fortnightly, quarterly, and annually on specific Jain holy days.