Ask to Expert
The term Uttarayan is made from two sanskrit words ?uttara? and ?ayan? which means north and movement respectively. So, the word Uttarayan means the movement of earth towards earth on the celestial sphere. This process starts the day after winter solstice in January and is continued till the period of summer in June. As per the calculations, when Sun enters Capricorn sign from Gemini, this transit is known as Uttarayan. And after this when Sun transit from Cancer to Sagittarius, this is termed as Dakshinayan.
The beginning of Uttarayan is on 14 January. On this day, Sun enters the capricorn sign. That is why, this day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, this festival is celebrated as Uttarayan. This festival is celebrated as Pongal in the southern states of India. It?s a belief that this day is very fruitful. The day of Uttarayan is said to be the day of God, so commencing for new work, yajna, vow, marriages, etc. is said to be very auspicious. In Gujarat, Kite playing festival is celebrated on this day.
The fascination and the revelry associated with the kite flying cuts across age groups, class, and communities. Although Uttarayan is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the gods from their deep slumber, history has it that India developed a rich tradition of kite flying due to the patronage of the Kings and 'Nawabs' who found the sport both entertaining and a way of displaying their prowess. Trained fliers were employed to fly kites for kings. Slowly, the art started becoming popular among the masses. Today, manufacturing of kites is a serious business. It attracts big names of the corporate world as kites provide for the most cost-effective opportunity for branding. The stakes are high and prizes for the competition grand.
Months before the festival of Uttarayan, homes in the localities of various cities in Gujarat turn into kite producing factories with all family members doing their bit in the seasonal cottage business. The paper and sticks are cut, the glue is stirred and thousands of kites are prepared in the market. The string is coated with special glass powder and rice paste, all set to cut each other's strings and knock down the kites. The size of the kite ranges from nine inches to three feet.
Members of various communities irrespective of cast and creed are engaged in the business of kites. Rich or poor, people enjoy this festival in their own ways. The aerodynamic skill, devotion, and ingenuity that goes into the kite making and flying is almost a religion in itself, honed to the level of an art form, though it looks deceptively simple.
Every year, the extraordinary fanfare associated with the paper works of art called kite brings people together from far and wide - be it from Japan, Australia, Malaysia, USA, Brazil, Canada, and European Countries - to participate in the International Kite Festival.
According to Hindu calendar, sun transits from one zodiac sign to another twice in a year. This change is known as Uttarayan or Dakshinayan. In Hinduism, the transit of Sun from south to north is meant to be very auspicious. When the Sun transits from East to South, the rays during this period is meant to be harmful. But when the Sun moves from East to North, the rays signifies the improvement in health and peace in life. When the period of Uttarayan is about to begin, the Sun transits from Gemini to Capricorn. It is considered that it is the starting of new morning of hopes. From this day, the days are likely to be longer whereas nights become shorter.
In most regions, Uttarayan festivities last for two to four days where 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, especially in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand.
To Know More Predictions By Our Expert Astrologers
Country We Serve
