Uttarayan: A festival of kites in the sky

The festival of kites – Uttarayan

Uttarayan is one of the biggest festivals in Gujarat. Colorful kites are flown, and the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare throughout Gujarat. People play music and sing on their rooftops, making it a joyous occasion. Various types of sweets are also made and enjoyed. Uttarayan is also known as Makar Sankranti. When a kite is cut down, people shout "Kai Po Che!" and when reeling in the kite string, they say "Lapet-Lapet." Uttarayan is the first festival of the new year. 

What is Utarayan ?

Uttarayan is the time when the Sun enters the Capricorn sign. From this day onwards, the Sun is believed to move from south to north, hence the name Uttarayan.

When is Uttarayan celebrated?

Uttarayan is celebrated every year on 14th or 15th January. This day is also known as Makar Sankranti.

Importance of Uttarayan

This is considered an auspicious time in Hinduism. It is said that the day of the gods begins with Uttarayan. It is considered auspicious to perform charity on this day. The Gita also states that giving up one's body during Uttarayan leads to salvation.

Uttarayan in Gujarat

In Gujarat, Uttarayan is celebrated as a kite festival. People climb on terraces and fly kites. Dishes like sesame laddus, chikkis, and undhiyu are prepared.

Man's pleasure is birds' helplessness

Uttarayan is a time of joy for humans but a time of sorrow for birds. This is because Uttarayan is considered very dangerous for birds, as many birds are injured and killed by kite strings during this time. It's not a safe time for them. Many such incidents occur where birds are fatally injured by kite strings. That's why people say that Uttarayan should be celebrated safely and responsibly so that birds are not harmed.