Witty World

Friday, January 14, 2011

Did you know that Hindus celebrate Makar Sankrati to mark the advent of spring after the winter season?


Did you know, “Hindus celebrate Makar Sankranti to mark the advent of spring after the winter season on the 'ascent' of the sun to the north.”?

This celebration is often called as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. The word Makar stands for the zodiac sign Capricorn and Sankranti stands for warmth, love, light, whereas Kranti means Revolution.

Uttarayan (known as Makar Sakranti in other parts of India) is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the Gods from their deep slumber. It holds special significance as on this day the sun starts to travel northwards marking the decline of winter & the solar calendar measures the day and night to be of equal durations on this day. From this day onwards, the days become longer and warmer, the skies clearer and the breeze cooler.



The fascination and the revelry associated with the kite flying cuts across age groups, class and communities. Although, Uttarayan is predominantly a Hindu festival marking the awakening of the Gods from their deep slumber, history has it that India developed a rich tradition of kite flying due to the patronage of the Kings and Nawabs who found the sport both entertaining and a way of displaying their prowess. Trained fliers were employed to fly kites for kings. Slowly, the art started becoming popular amongst the masses.

Hence, Makar Sankranti is a popular Indian festival. It is celebrated in many parts of the country and also in some other parts of the world with great zeal and enthusiasm.

 

© 2010 Witty International School, All rights reserved
Website by En Interactive Technologies Pvt. Ltd.