Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti, is one of India’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals, particularly in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Uttarayan, marking the Sun’s shift to Capricorn, celebrates light’s victory over darkness, heralding longer days with the end of winter. In Hindu tradition, this solar event is auspicious for starting new ventures, performing rituals, and seeking blessings.
The Unique Tradition of Kite Flying
Makar Sankranti is celebrated differently across India, with Gujarat’s Uttarayan standing out for its vibrant kite-flying festival. Colorful kites of various sizes fly in the blue skies as children and adults engage in kite battles. The goal is to cut the strings of competing kites, an activity that often brings excitement and competition. This festival of kites has become so popular that the city of Ahmedabad hosts the International Kite Festival, attracting visitors and participants from around the globe.
Significance of Uttarayan in Different States
- Gujarat: In Gujarat, Uttarayan is the most awaited festival, celebrated with immense joy. Families gather on terraces, enjoying food like tilgul, undhiyu, and chikki while flying kites. The festival is observed over two days, with the second day called Vasi Uttarayan.
- Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, people celebrate with haldi-kumkum ceremonies, where women exchange gifts and sweets like tilgul ladoos. The exchange of sweets symbolizes a request to “forget the past and speak sweetly.”
- Rajasthan: Here, the festival is called Sakraat or Sankrant, and people prepare special dishes like ghevar and sweets made from sesame seeds. Kite flying is also a key aspect of the celebration.
Spiritual and Astrological Significance
In Hinduism, Uttarayan is spiritually significant as it signifies the lengthening of days over a six-month period. This period is called the Devayana, considered highly auspicious for attaining spiritual enlightenment and embarking on pilgrimages. Hindus also believe that departing the earthly life during Uttarayan leads to salvation or “moksha.”
How to Celebrate Uttarayan
- Buy or Make Kites: Choose from a variety of kites available in local markets or online, ranging from traditional paper kites to modern designs made from lightweight plastic.
- Prepare for Kite Wars: Ensure you have strong kite strings, also known as manja, which are often coated with powdered glass to help cut the strings of rival kites.
- Participate in Local Festivities: Cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara host large-scale events where kite enthusiasts from around the world gather to fly kites and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Savor Traditional Foods: Whether you’re cooking at home or enjoying delicacies from local food stalls, treat yourself to Uttarayan’s signature dishes like undhiyu, til laddoo, and fafda.
Travel Tips for Uttarayan Festival
- Best Places to Experience Uttarayan: While the entire state of Gujarat celebrates the festival, cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot are particularly famous for their grand-scale celebrations. The Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad offers the best view of the International Kite Festival.
- Plan Early: Uttarayan is one of the busiest times to visit Gujarat, so make sure to book your flights and accommodation well in advance.
- Safety First: Kite flying can be competitive and sometimes dangerous due to the use of sharp strings. Be cautious, especially around children, and ensure you’re flying kites in open, safe areas.
Conclusion
Uttarayan is more than just a kite-flying festival; it’s a celebration of life, culture, and new beginnings. The festival combines traditional beliefs with fun-filled activities, making it a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.
