According to Drikpanchang, the Uttarayan Sankranti Moment will occur at 2:54 am.
Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti is eagerly awaited in Gujarat, where the festivities include flying kites, relishing sweets, and enjoying lip-smacking khichdi. Beyond the joy of screaming "Kai Po Che" to soaring kites, this harvest festival holds deep cultural and religious significance. Uttarayan marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days due to the sun's northward journey, also known as the auspicious period of Uttarayana.
Date:
Uttarayan coincides with Makar Sankranti and follows a day after Lohri celebrations. Although January 14 is typically the fixed date for Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, this year, the celebrations are observed a day later on January 15, while Lohri has shifted to January 14. In Gujarat, the day after the festival is marked as Vasi Uttarayan or Stale Uttarayan. According to Drikpanchang, the Uttarayan Sankranti Moment will occur at 2:54 am.
History:
According to the Mahabharata, King Bhishma chose to embrace death during Uttarayana. Hindus believe dying during this period leads to direct entry into paradise. Makar Sankranti is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, marking the sun's transit into Makara (Capricorn) raashi (zodiac sign). The festival is rooted in history, including the story of Sankranti, who defeated the demon Sankarasur.
Significance:
Uttarayan is a blend of astrological and traditional importance, signifying the sun's transition and the onset of spring and harvest. Similar to Thanksgiving in Western culture, it welcomes prosperity and hope, fostering a sense of communal celebration.
Celebrations:
The festivities last two to four days, involving Sun God worship, holy dips, charity, kite flying, sesame and jaggery sweets preparation, and livestock worship. Khichdi holds special importance in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, earning Uttarayan the moniker "Khichdi." In Gorakhpur, Khichdi is offered to the Gorakhnath temple, while Lohri precedes Uttarayan in Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi.
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 "Uttarayan 2024: Date, history, significance, celebration of kite flying festival")
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