Makar Sankranti - The Festival of Kite Flying – LifeGuru

Makar Sankranti is a joyful festival celebrated in India, all about flying colorful kites high up in the sky. It's a special day that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), which usually falls on the 14th of January every year. People come together with family and friends to fly kites and enjoy delicious sweets made of sesame and jaggery. This festival is celebrated with much excitement across India because it signifies the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer, warmer days. The joy of flying kites symbolizes a fresh start, new hopes, and spreading happiness all around.

The Story of Makar Sankranti

Historians claim that references to the Makar Sankranti event can be found in both the Mahabharata and the Puranas. The festival is said to have been started by the Vedic sage Vishvamitra. The Pandavas observed Makar Sankranti during their banishment, as reported in the Mahabharata.

Hindu mythology states that Sankranti defeated the demon Sankarasur. Makar Sankranti is called Karidin or Kinkrant on the day after. Also, a kite flying in the cool wind on this day is thought to bring prosperity.

Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated in India?

The reason the Makar Sankranti celebration is significant is because it overlaps with a major shift in the zodiac, or how the earth's dial is arranged around the sun, which alters our perception of the world. There are numerous Sankrantis throughout the year; two notable ones are Makar Sankranti and Karka Sankranti, which fall on the opposite side of the summer sunset. There are numerous Sankrantis in between; each time a sign of the zodiac changes, it is referred to as a Sankranti to allude to the planet's movement and to comprehend that our life is maintained and nourished by it.

Another important part of how we benefit from this planet is this movement. Once upon a time, humans could only consume what the earth provided. Then, we discovered agriculture the art of using the land to produce the goods we needed. We just took what was available when we were hunting and gathering. It's similar to how, as a baby, you ingested or swallowed whatever your mother provided you. You asked for what you wanted when you were a child.

After a while, we became more mature and began to ask for and receive what we want, but ultimately, you can only have what you desire to the extent that She agrees. Stretching it farther than that will not only result in something different, but it won't be what you expected. We refer to that as industrialization. Agriculture is the art of bribing Mother Nature to grant your wishes. She's becoming torn apart by industrialization. I'm not criticizing anything here. I want you to see the way human activity moves from one level to another, the way our minds travel.

Why is kite flying associated with Makar Sankranti?

Kite flying happens during Makar Sankranti because it's a special day when the sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac sign. This day is about saying bye to winter and hello to longer, brighter days. Flying kites is a fun tradition on this day, showing how we want to reach high just like the kites soaring in the sky. It's a time of happiness, starting fresh, and enjoying together with friends and family.

Rituals, Pujas and Mantras of Makar Sankranti

Rituals of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a happy festival celebrated in India when the sun moves into the Capricorn zodiac sign. People wake up early and take a bath in the holy rivers to wash away their sins. They wear new clothes and make colorful rangoli patterns outside their homes. Flying kites is a big part of this festival, and families gather on rooftops to fly kites and have fun. People also exchange sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery, like tilgul, as a symbol of spreading sweetness and love. Some places organize fairs and special events where everyone enjoys dancing and singing.

Pujas of Makar Sankranti

During Makar Sankranti, people perform different pujas or prayers to seek blessings and prosperity. They offer special prayers to the Sun God, thanking him for a good harvest and seeking his blessings for a prosperous future. Many temples organize special ceremonies dedicated to the Sun God. People make offerings of fruits, flowers, and sweets. In some regions, there's a tradition of donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy, which is considered very auspicious during this time.

Mantras of Makar Sankranti

One of the important mantras chanted during this time is the 'Gayatri Mantra,' praising the Sun God for wisdom and enlightenment. People also chant other mantras dedicated to the Sun God for good health, happiness, and prosperity. Chanting mantras helps in focusing the mind and invoking positive energy. Families gather to chant these mantras together, creating a harmonious and positive atmosphere in their homes during this festive time.