Makarsankranti also known as “Uttarayan” in Gujarat, is
widely celebrated all over India. It is celebrated on 14th of January. It marks
the first day of the sun’s transit into Makara, marking the end of the month
with the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
On this day, Surya
puja, bonfires, kite flying etc. are done by the people across India.
Being a festival that
celebrates the solar cycle, it almost always falls on the same Gregorian date
every year (January 14), except in some years when the date shifts by a day for
that year.
Makara Sankranti is observed with social festivities such as
colorful decorations, rural children going house to house, singing and asking
for treats in some areas, fairs, dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts.
The festival is celebrated by having various sweets like Til
ladoo, Puran Poli, Makar Chaula, khichdi, Payesh, Pinni.
It is traditional to eat “kheer”, rice cooked
in milk and sugarcane juice. It is also traditional to consume khichdi and
jaggery.
One can hear loud songs playing on almost every terrace of a
house. And along with that the thrilling shouts such as “Kai po chee”
can be heard.
In many cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, etc. Kite festivals
are held every year and it is attained by tourists from many different countries.
People of all age groups from kids to adults gather to
celebrate this joyous festive.
Kids begin flying kites since early morning, continued till
night. The sky gets filled with different colorful and Beautiful colored kites.
During the day you can see the sky full of bright beautiful colors
of kites and the night turns into beautiful piece of art full of sky lanterns.
Significance of holy dip- there is evaporation process in
the rivers at Makarsankranti. It can remove all kinds of diseases from our
body. Therefore, the importance of bathing in rivers is very important on this
day.
