Makar Sankranti

From royal splendour to riotous egalitarianism , 14 January is celebrated in India as Makar Sankranti - heralding the transition of the sun into the Northern hemisphere.

In Jaipur Kites virtually blot out the sky. Everyone joins in this riotous celebration and shouts of " Woh Kata Hai !" reverberate from rooftops to the accompaniment of drums as adversary's kites are cut down. And everyone's an adversary! Any kite in the sky is fair game !

Its been five years that this Desert Kite Festival is held. Kite makers flaunt kites sized as big as 1.5km of various shapes and Designs. Some carrying messages, some depicting social issues, some as caricatures of politicians. Its been the most popular event recently, even tourists can take part in various kite flying competitions. The colours that flaunt in the blue sky mesmerises the viewers.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated due to the ‘ascent’ of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). It is the only Hindu festival which falls regularly on the 14th of January every year. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as a day of goodwill and friendship. Sesame Ladoos and sugar drops are distributed which means that each and every one should be generous and kind to everyone.

Women wear new clothes, new glass bangles and hold get together to share sweets and gifts. A new bride is given ornaments made of sugar drops and her new relatives are invited to meet and welcome her at a Haldi Kumkum celebration. In Gujarat and other western states on the day of Makar Sankranti kite festival is celebrated.