Makar Sankranti – Festival of Kites

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious festivals of India. This is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase which marks the end of winter season and the commencement of a new harvest season. Makar Sankranti is one of the few Indian festivals which is celebrated on dates of 14th and 15th January every year.

It is also known by the name of “Uttarayan” in some places.
Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiacal sign of Makar (cancer). Hu

Makar Sankranti is an occasion to express our gratitude to the Supreme Lord for blessing us with all the necessary supplies like rain to produce a bountiful harvest.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in almost all parts of India with different names, traditions and rituals. Makar Sankranti is also known as ‘Magh Bihu’ in Assam, ‘Uttarayan’ in Gujarat, ‘Pongal’ in Tamil Nadu and ‘Maghi’ in Punjab.

On this day, all the members of family irrespective of the age, bond together and enjoy the reaping festival by flying kites.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

Celebrated across the nation, this day holds religious and cultural significance. As per the Puranas, Lord Sun met his son Shani (swami of Makar Rashi) for the first time on this day. Another legend that is associated with this festival is, Lord Krishna demolished the terror of Ashuras by burying their heads under the Mandara Parvata (Mountain). This auspicious day symbolizes the end of evil power and the beginning of a peaceful era.

People in North India celebrate this day by the name of Makar Sankranti. One of its distinctive features is kite flying. The sky changes its colour from blue to a colourful one as kite enthusiasts fly zillion of colourful kites. Healthy rivalry to outdo each other in kite flying and capturing as many kites is the real deal of kite fest.

After applying sesame seeds to Makar Sankranti, there is a religious belief in the bath. People gather for a bath in holy rivers and there are fairs also. Rice and pulse are cooked and it is eaten with ghee and jaggery. Laddoos or gajak made of sesame and jaggery are also eaten and fed with big chicks. Granting of sesame, jaggery, khichdi, blanket, and umbrella is also important and recognized.