Uttarayan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the sun’s northward movement, also known as Makar Sankranti. It is observed on the 14th or 15th of January every year, depending on the movement of the sun. Uttarayan is a festival of joy, gratitude, and new beginnings. It is celebrated in different ways across India, with kite-flying being the most common and popular activity.
History of Uttarayan
Uttarayan has its origins in ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology. It is believed that on this day, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn), marking the end of winter and the start of longer days. This is considered an auspicious time for spiritual and religious activities, as well as for harvesting crops.
According to Hindu mythology, Uttarayan is also the day when Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, wakes up from his long sleep. It is said that he sleeps on a giant snake called Shesha Naga in the cosmic ocean for six months, starting from the day of Dakshinayan (the sun’s southward movement). On Uttarayan, he rises from his slumber and begins his work of sustaining the world.
Another legend associated with Uttarayan is that of Bhishma Pitamah, the grandfather of the Pandavas and the Kauravas in the epic Mahabharata. He had the boon of choosing the time of his death, and he chose to die on Uttarayan, as it was considered the most auspicious day to depart from the world. He lay on a bed of arrows for 58 days, waiting for the sun to move northward, and breathed his last on Uttarayan.
Importance of Uttarayan
Uttarayan is a festival that signifies the importance of the sun, the harvest, and the cycle of life. Some of the key aspects of this festival are:
- Worship of the Sun God: The sun is the source of life and energy on earth, and Uttarayan is a festival that honors the sun god, Surya. People offer prayers, chant mantras, and perform rituals to express their gratitude and devotion to the sun. They also take a holy dip in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari, believing that it will cleanse their sins and grant them salvation.
- Celebration of the Harvest: Uttarayan is also a festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new one. It is a time for farmers to rejoice and thank the sun and the earth for their bounty. They also share their produce with their family, friends, and the needy. They prepare and distribute various delicacies made of rice, wheat, sesame, jaggery, and sugarcane, which are the main crops of this season.
- Embracing New Beginnings: Uttarayan is a festival that symbolizes the arrival of brighter and longer days, which bring hope, positivity, and good fortune. It is a time for people to let go of their past and start afresh. They also exchange greetings and gifts with their loved ones, and strengthen their bonds of love and friendship. They also indulge in fun and festive activities like flying kites, dancing, singing, and playing games.
Festival States of Uttarayan
Uttarayan is celebrated in different states of India with different names and customs. Some of the major festival states of Uttarayan are:
Gujarat: In Gujarat, Uttarayan is also known as the International Kite Festival, as kite-flying is the main attraction of this festival. People of all ages and backgrounds participate in the kite-flying competition, which lasts for two days. The sky is filled with colorful and creative kites of various shapes and sizes. People also enjoy eating special dishes like undhiyu, chikki, and jalebi on this occasion.
Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival that honors the sun, the earth, and the cattle. The first day, Bhogi, is dedicated to discarding old and unwanted things by burning them in a bonfire. The second day, Thai Pongal, is dedicated to cooking and offering a sweet dish called Pongal, made of rice, milk, and jaggery, to the sun god. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to worshipping and decorating the cattle, which are considered sacred and helpful for agriculture. The fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, is dedicated to visiting and spending time with relatives and friends.
Assam: In Assam, Uttarayan is celebrated as Magh Bihu, a festival of feasting and bonfires. People build temporary huts called Meji and Bhelaghar with bamboo and leaves, and cook various dishes inside them. They also light bonfires and burn the huts on the next morning, signifying the end of winter and the arrival of spring. They also enjoy playing games like buffalo fighting and pot breaking on this occasion.
Karnataka: In Karnataka, Uttarayan is celebrated as Suggi, a festival of harvest and gratitude. People wear new clothes and visit their relatives and friends on this day. They also distribute sweets and snacks made of sesame, coconut, groundnuts, and jaggery, which are considered auspicious and healthy for this season. They also decorate their houses and temples with colorful rangoli and flowers
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