Kem Cho Aunty! Majama Cho?
It’s that time of the year again—Makar Sankranti is here! 🌞
January 14th marks a special day, not just in Gujarat but across India! Whether you call it Uttarayan in Gujarat, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, or Bihu in Assam, this festival truly showcases the unity in India’s diversity! Isn’t that the magic of India?
Before I start rambling about this day (which I can and will), let’s break down the name itself, shall we?
- Makar: It means Capricorn—the zodiac sign in which the sun transitions on this day.
- Sankranti: A Sanskrit word meaning movement or transition, specifically referring to the sun’s journey from one zodiac sign to another.
So, if you’ve ever been in Gujarat for Makar Sankranti, you already know—the vibe is INSANE. The skies turn into a dazzling rainbow of kites! From the early morning until sundown, it’s all about battle of kite supremacy. And I’m sure there’s no sweeter sound than yelling “Kai Po Che!” (Translation: “Gotcha! I cut your kite!”) after a glorious victory!
But for Gujaratis living outside Gujarat? Oh, it’s a different story. If you shout “Kai Po Che!” early in the morning, chances are your neighbours might file a noise complaint. 🙈
Why Kites, though? 🪁
Ever wondered why kites rule the skies on this day? Well, Aunty, you’re not the only one curious (or full of Gujarati wisdom)!
Here’s the scoop: as Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan), flying kites is our way of saying, “Hello, Sun!” as we receive more sunlight = more Vitamin D = stronger immunity! Also, let’s be honest—kite flying is just plain fun! It’s a way to bring people together and enjoy a friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. Kai Po Che!
A Festival That’s Always on Time
Fun fact time!
Unlike most Hindu festivals, Makar Sankranti doesn’t mess with your calendar because it follows the solar calendar, not the lunar one.
No need to check the panchang for shifting dates—it’s always on January 14th!
Practical, na?
The Divine Vibes of Makar Sankranti ✨
According to Hindu mythology, Makar Sankranti is the day when the gates of heaven are open. Souls departing on this day are believed to achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
Do you know Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata? If not, let me tell you that he waited for Uttarayan to leave his mortal body, as it’s considered the most auspicious time to attain salvation! (Now, that’s some next-level planning!)
But Makar Sankranti isn’t just another festival—it’s a celebration of life, abundance, and everything good under the sun (literally). With the harvest season kicking off, farmers celebrate as their hard work finally pays off! And for the rest of us? Well, we’re busy turning that bounty into undhiyu and other delicious treats! It’s the perfect time to pause and be grateful for nature’s generosity and the effort it takes to bring all that goodness to our plates.
Even miles away from Gujarat (and without kites) we can still keep the Sankranti spirit alive!
it’s about fresh starts, forgiving grudges, and letting go of last year’s baggage. After all, if the sun can switch directions, so can you! 🌞
So, aunty, maybe it’s time to forgive and forget. And if not, well, there’s always til-gud ladoos to sweeten the mood! 😉
But for now, whether you’re busy making undhiyu in the kitchen or helping the kids with their kites, make sure to pause and soak in the joy of the day.
Until next time,
XOXO
Majama Rehjo!