Celebration of sun Northward journey

According to Mahabharata, King Bhishma was given the boon of choosing his own time and day of death and Bhishma Pitamah had waited for the sun to be in Uttarayana to hold death. This is also the time when the sun begins to move north and before Uttarayan, the sun shines on the southern hemisphere. , Lord Krishna has also said in Gita that in the auspicious period of 6 months of Uttarayan, when the Sun God is Uttarayan and the earth remains bright, then leaving the body in this light does not lead to the rebirth of a person

Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It marks the beginning of the sun's journey towards north, known as Uttarayan. It is also a time to reflect on one's life and make resolutions for the coming year.

Gujarat: Kites on Makar Sankranti

As the festival takes shape in different ways in different corners of the country, in Gujarat, thousands of kites can be seen dotting the skies in its celebration. But why?

During the festival of Uttarayan (In Gujarat) the gods awaken from their six-month long sleep, and handmade kites are flown as an act of thankfulness to them for bringing good luck and prosperity. There are many who dedicate the festival to the Sun God as well, and head to the rooftops to be ‘blessed’ by sun god Eating on ‘Til’ (sesame) treats, and peanuts becomes a must at this time.

In the twilight hour people of Gujarat fills the whole sky with diya lantern....And create a human made extraganza.

Pongal –   Traditional Harvesting Celebration

Pongal is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in South India. It is a celebration of the harvest and is marked by feasting, singing, dancing and exchanging gifts. Pongal marks the end of winter solstice and the beginning of spring. It is also an occasion to thank gods for providing food and prosperity throughout the year. People from all walks of life come together to celebrate this special day with great enthusiasm and joy. On this day, people make offerings to the Sun God and prepare delicious dishes as part of the festivities. Pongal is a time for families to come together in joyous celebration, strengthening their bond with each other while thanking nature for its bountiful blessings.

On the eve before Pongal, participants gather to create a fire out of wood and abandoned or unused items, then light it ablaze. Women dressed in new attire perform songs and give sacrifices to the Sun God and Mother Earth with sandalwood paste and kumkum in the bonfires, and they also burn agricultural debris. Burning trash is a symbolic way of saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new.

Perum Pongal or Surya Pongal is the second day of the festival where people worship the Sun God.

Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the third day of the festival. People worship the cattle they used in agriculture.

Kanum Pongal is the fourth and last day of the festival. On this day, people clean their houses and decorate them.