Kite Festival 2023 and its significance
Kite Festival, also known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, is a popular festival in India and other parts of South Asia, celebrated on or around 14 January. The festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and marks the beginning of the sun’s northward journey.
One of the main highlights of the festival is the flying of kites, which is considered to be a symbol of freedom and the triumph of good over evil. People of all ages participate in kite-flying, and it is not uncommon to see entire neighborhoods and cities filled with colorful kites soaring in the sky.
In some regions, people also celebrate the festival by taking a dip in holy rivers, and by offering prayers to the Sun God. In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated with great fervor and is also known as Uttarayan. On this day, people prepare delicacies made of sesame seeds, jaggery, and til (sesame) and share it with friends and family.
This festival is not only a religious festival but also a cultural and social festival, it brings together people from all backgrounds and cultures to celebrate and have fun. Google doodle celebrates the Festival of Kites on various occasions.
History of Kite Festival
The mention of this festival is in Rigveda which dates back more than 5000 years. The day marks the beginning of the auspicious six-month period known as Uttarayana.
The festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) and the beginning of the sun’s northward journey, known as the Uttarayan. The festival is believed to have been celebrated for thousands of years and has been mentioned in ancient Hindu texts such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas.
The kite-flying aspect of the festival has its roots in the traditional Indian practice of marking important events and festivals with the release of colorful paper lanterns into the sky. Over time, this evolved into the flying of kites, which are considered to be a symbol of freedom and the triumph of good over evil.
On this day, people prepare delicacies made of sesame seeds, jaggery, and til (sesame) and share it with friends and family. It is also a time for people to forgive and forget past grudges, and to renew relationships with friends and family.
In modern times, the Festival of Kites has become a popular event across India and other parts of South Asia, with people of all ages participating in kite-flying and other celebrations. It is also celebrated in other countries with large South Asian populations, such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
Celebration
Today, regardless of people’s background or beliefs, they are welcome to fly kites with everyone else in Gujarat in January. This festival is also an occasion for many public entities such as famous dancers, singers, actors, celebrities, or politicians who make an appearance and entertain the population. People of all ages participate in kite-flying, and it is not uncommon to see entire neighborhoods and cities filled with colorful kites soaring in the sky.
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