Makar Sankranti Celebration In Gujarat

Uttarayan: Gujarat’s Vibrant Celebration of Makar Sankranti

Uttarayan is the Gujarati version of Makar Sankranti celebrated enthusiastically throughout the length and breadth of India as a harvest festival. This two day festival, which is celebrated on January 14 and 15 brings colors to life of the state with thousands of kites flying in the sky.

A Sky Full of Colors:

The most popular event related to Uttarayan is the enthralling Kite Flying competition. Everybody including children and the elderly participate, flying kites on the rooftops and any other open ground. There is laughter from various participants in kiteman talk, noise from spinning strings and the experience of cutting other kites.

Beyond Kites:

Festive Delicacies: Some of the sper Latitude sweets are Til Gud Ladoo (balls prepared from sesame seeds and jaggery), Undhiyu (A mixed vegetable preparation), and Chikki ( a preparation from nuts and jaggery). These are symbolic of good things or wealth in Chinese culture.

Cultural Performances: Folk dances; songs and programs add to theHappy feeling of the region.

Community Spirit: Uttarayan encourages people’s unity, that people eat what other people prepare, and most importantly there is joyousness that is normally exhibited during the celebration.

Significance of Uttarayan:

Astronomical Significance: Makar Sankranti’s main celebration symbolises the entry of the sun into the Makara, the Capricorn zodiac which ushers in longer days and spring.

Agricultural Significance: In many areas, it’s the time of harvest, of giving thanks for the produce that they have been able to reap.

Spiritual Significance: It is believed to have a relation with several religious practices and the community does offer prayers to Sun God.

Celebration of Uttarayan is not just about…the real identity is a festival that embodies the essence of Gujarat. This is the time of the year when people wish each other happiness, share happiness with others and generally party.