By Ananya Bhardwaj
Makar Sankranti was celebrated on 14 January 2018 across India, one of the first festivals of the new year in this culturally diverse land. It marks the start of the harvest festival and is known by a host of different names, such as Lohri in Punjab, Poush Sangkranti in West Bengal, Maghi in Himachal Pradesh, Bihu in Assam and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Makar Sankranti is the festival of til-gud wherein sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery, like laddoos or chikkis, are distributed among all.
An outcome of the Sun’s movements
It marks the day when the sun begins its northward journey and enters the sign of Makar (Capricorn) from the Tropic of Cancer. It resembles the movement of the sun from Dakshinayana (south) to the Uttarayana (north) hemisphere. It is one of the few chosen Indian Hindu festivals that has a fixed date and falls on 14 January every year according to the Hindu Solar Calendar. It is considered to be a day after which all the auspicious rituals and ceremonies can be solemnised in a Hindu family.
From the morning of the dawn of the festival, kites of various colours and shapes can be seen flying around, and there is a rich cultural history backing this age-old tradition. Traditionally, winters were always associated with falling sick and being vulnerable to diseases and germs. Since the festival marks the start of the harvest season, it is considered that people wake up early to get a fresh start and rid their bodies of the toxins gathered over the winter.
Flying kites into a new season
In a way, the tradition of kite flying was introduced to make the procedure more enjoyable and appealing to the masses. The tradition of kite flying is for a healthy exposure in the early morning Sun. These initial rays are healthy and a good source of Vitamin D. It is also considered to be good for skin and helps in fighting many infections and sickness caused by the chilly winter winds.
There is an alternate deeper meaning attached to the same. It is often said anything tossed up to the skies is an offering to the Gods from mortals. Many consider flinging their kites up in the air to be a form of sacrificial gratitude as thanksgiving to the Gods for shining their blessings and sending us good luck.
An occasion to highlight traditions
Since the influence of the harsh winter climate has already been established in the atmosphere after the winter solstice, the general populace needs greater protection. Therefore, they traditionally make and distribute items of sesame seeds, jaggery, sweets, rice, dal and other heavy items which they can prepare and eat nicely. And as people observe a fast on this day to commemorate the auspicious day, they exchange items for making khichdi, which should be consumed to open the fast next day.
In places like Gujarat, kite flying is taken extremely seriously and there are legitimate competitions held on a widespread scale. Scores of people from not only around the country but across the world come to participate in the annual International Kite Festival (Uttarayan), the preparations for which begin months in advance.
Featured image source: Wikimedia