Uttarayana
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- For the kite-flying festival, see Makar Sankranti
Uttarāyana (उत्तरायन) is the six month period between Makar Sankranti around (January 14) and Karka Sankranti around (July 14), when the Sun travels towards north on the celestial sphere. The period from July 14 to January 14 is known is Dakshināyana (दक्षिणायन). The starting of Uttarayana is celebrated as Makara Sankranti throughout India, which is declared as National festival by Government of India.
[edit] Makar Sankranti
Makara Sankranti (It is a sanskrit word) is the harvest festival of India. Sankranti means transmigration of Sun from one Rashi (something akin to the zodiac) to the other. Hence there are 12 such Sankrantis in all. But the transition of Sun from Dhanu Rasi to Makara Rasi marks the starting of Uttarayana which means northern movement of Sun. Since Uttarayana is Considered as auspicious time, Makara Sankranti is celebrated as the beginning of that period It is celebrated by many cultures in different manners.
- In North India,
- Punjab - Lohri
- West Bengal and Assam - Bhogali Bihu
- Gujarat and Rajastan - Uttarayan (Kite flying festival)
- Maharashtra - Makar Sankrant
- In South India,
- In Kerala and Tamilnadu and Tamils in Sri Lanka - Pongal
- In Andhra Pradesh,Karnataka - Sankranthi
- Other places as Makara Sankranti.
The Gujarati people are the most prominent in celebrating Uttarayana, which is a prominent part of Gujarati culture by flying kites all over Gujarat and in Bombay, India. Sankranthi is the most important festival of Telugu people, like Deepavali is for Tamil people.
[edit] Fun on Uttarayan
The word Uttarayan came from joining two different Sanskrit words "Uttar" (North) and "ayan" (movement towards). Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) is the day when the sun starts to travel towards north as a sign of coming summer. People from all age group, having fun feeling in their hearts and well dressed, come on the roof of their house early in the morning.
On this beautiful day, Millions of people pitch themselves at the terrace and roofs, enjoy flying kites with cheers and smile on their face. They enjoy Uttarayan with sound of Kapyo che (I cut the kites) and other local slang’s. Sky started changing colors like having rainbow of kites in it. People of Gujarat, also enjoy this festival by having food called "Tal-sankadi" and "chiki" (Sweets), which is like sesame bar and peanut bar.
Gujarat state is famous for its cultural diversities and festivals. Among these, the festival of Uttarayan is one of the magnificent and festival of all people. It is festival of gathering and having fun together. People enjoy their kite flying skills by cutting the flying kites whole day. Chilly night also can't stop the joy of the people after enjoying whole day. The fun flows continuously till whole night, as kite lovers enjoy flying white kites in dark night. Next day (15 January) called "Vaasi Uttarayan", also celebrated with as much fun of "Uttarayan". The flow of such an amazing joy stays alive for continuous two days.
[edit] External links
Pongal is more important than deepavali for south Indians.
In Gujarat, Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti - KiteFlying) is very popular among all age people. Some young enthusiasts from Chicago arranged a kiteflying festival. Here are some photos:
