Uttrayan is one of the many festivals mainly celebrated in Gujarat. The festival takes place generally on 14th January of each year during Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is a festival dedicated to ancient  beliefs. It is said that the tradition of flying kites on Makar Sankranti is carried out so that people are exposed to the sun rays.Being exposed to the sun rays helps getting rid of skin infections and illnesses associated with the winter season.

History of Uttarayan

According to the Hindu epic Mahabharta, it was noted that King Bhishma had the boon of choosing his own time and day of death. Bhishma Pitamah had waited for the sun to be in Uttarayan to embrace death. This is also the time when the sun begins to move northward after shining on the southern hemisphere.

Belief of uttrayan According to Hindu belief if one dies on Uttarayan, they are not reborn but go straight to Heaven. It is believed that Sankranti, after whom Makar Sankranti festival is named, was a deity who killed a demon called Sankrasur, and on the following day of Makar Sankranti, called Karidin or Kinkrant, the Devi killed the villain Kinkarasur.

Celebration during uttarayan

In most regions,people worship the Sun god during the festival, go for a holy dip in sacred water bodies,perform charity by giving alms to the needy,fly kites, prepare sweets made of sesame and jaggery, worship livestock and more.  Additionally Khichdi is made and consumed during this festival. Gujarati people make Undhiyu(mixed vegetable dish) also on Uttarayan, which is very famous. 

Have a happy and safe Uttarayan to all readers and thank you!

By: Ms. Vanadana Mavadiya (Airport Manager – Bhavnagar)