Uttarayan, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a major festival celebrated in Gujarat with great enthusiasm and energy. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and the end of winter. The festival is observed on January 14th every year, but sometimes extends to January 15th depending on the solar calendar.
Key Highlights of Uttarayan in Gujarat
Kite Flying Festival
Uttarayan is synonymous with kite flying. The skies across Gujarat, especially in cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot, are filled with colorful kites of various sizes and shapes. People of all ages gather on terraces and open spaces to fly kites and participate in friendly competitions.
International Kite Festival
Ahmedabad hosts the famous International Kite Festival, attracting kite enthusiasts from across the globe. Visitors get to witness unique and artistic kites, including those shaped like animals, birds, and even cultural symbols.
Delicious Food
Special food items are prepared for Uttarayan:
Undhiyu: A mixed vegetable dish cooked with winter vegetables and spices.
Jalebi: A sweet, crispy treat enjoyed with Undhiyu.
Chikki: Made of sesame seeds, peanuts, and jaggery, chikki is a festival favorite.
Cultural Significance
Uttarayan marks the onset of longer days, symbolizing positivity and the return of warmth and light. It is considered an auspicious time to start new ventures.
Patang Bazi (Kite Battles)
The festival also includes “kite battles” where participants cut each other’s kite strings using specially prepared manja (glass-coated strings). The phrase “Kai Po Che”, meaning “I have cut your kite,” resonates throughout the day.
Night Celebrations
After sunset, people release tukkals (paper lanterns) into the sky, creating a beautiful, illuminated spectacle.
Uttarayan in Gujarat brings families, friends, and communities together, celebrating the spirit of joy, competition, and togetherness.
Historical and Cultural Context
Uttarayan, celebrated as Makar Sankranti across India, holds cultural and religious significance. The term “Uttarayan” refers to the sun’s northward journey, marking the end of the long winter and the arrival of warmer days. It is considered a time of prosperity and renewal, with religious undertones associated with Lord Surya (Sun God).
In Gujarat, Uttarayan has transformed into a massive cultural and social event that goes beyond its religious roots, becoming one of the most anticipated festivals in the state.
Preparations for Uttarayan
Kite Markets:
In cities like Ahmedabad and Surat, the markets come alive weeks before the festival. Patang Bazaars (kite markets) sell a stunning variety of kites:
Plain kites (single-color paper kites)
Designer kites with motifs, Bollywood themes, or cartoon characters
Tukkal kites, large decorative kites flown at night
Special strings called manja are prepared with precision, coated with glass powder to make them sharp for kite battles.
Terrace Preparations:
Families prepare their terraces with comfortable seating, music systems, and food. It becomes a hub for social gatherings, with family and friends joining in for two full days of festivity.
Key Traditions and Activities
Kite Flying – A Cultural Phenomenon
Kite flying begins at dawn and continues until sunset, with people shouting enthusiastically when kites are cut, using phrases like “Kai Po Che!” and “Lapet!”
It is a competition where participants showcase their skills in maneuvering kites and cutting opponents’ strings.
International Kite Festival
Gujarat Tourism organizes the International Kite Festival (Uttarayan Mahotsav) at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Highlights include:
Night Celebrations – Tukkal Flying
As the sun sets, tukkals or sky lanterns are released, lighting up the night sky with glowing orbs. This magical sight creates a dreamlike atmosphere and marks the conclusion of the day’s festivities.
Special Foods During Uttarayan
Food plays a major role in celebrating Uttarayan. People prepare and share special dishes, including:
Undhiyu: A slow-cooked, mixed winter vegetable dish made with yam, green beans, brinjals, and methi muthiya (fenugreek dumplings), spiced and cooked with fresh herbs.
Chikki: A sweet made with peanuts, sesame seeds, and jaggery, providing energy for the kite-flying marathon.
Jalebi: Crispy, sugar-soaked spirals that complement savory dishes like Undhiyu.
Khichdo: A hearty dish made of rice, lentils, and vegetables.
Tilgul Ladoo: Sesame seed and jaggery balls, symbolizing the sweetness of relationships.
Social and Community Aspect
Family Bonding: Uttarayan is a festival that brings families and friends together, both on rooftops and in public spaces.
Inclusiveness: People of all religions and communities come together to celebrate, reflecting Gujarat’s vibrant culture.
Music and Dance: Traditional and modern music blares across terraces, with people often dancing and celebrating while flying kites.
Tourism and Economic Impact
Economic Boost: Uttarayan drives huge demand for kites, manja, and food, benefitting local businesses and craftsmen.
Tourism: The International Kite Festival attracts thousands of tourists, boosting Gujarat’s tourism industry.
Workshops and Exhibitions: Workshops on kite-making and kite-flying techniques are organized, preserving the traditional art form and introducing it to younger generations.
Symbolism of Uttarayan
Uttarayan signifies positivity, light, and hope as the sun begins its northward journey.
It also represents spiritual awakening, as longer days are seen as a period of growth and renewal.
The act of cutting a kite is often seen as a metaphor for overcoming challenges and letting go of negativity.
In essence, Uttarayan in Gujarat is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of life, community, and culture. The combination of thrilling kite battles, mouth-watering food, and cultural festivities makes it a spectacle unlike any other. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the energy and vibrancy of Uttarayan in Gujarat leave an unforgettable impression.