With the festive season upon us once again, the Pink City’s vibrance has just been given a new lease of life. Makar Sankranti is a massive festival for us Jaipurites and for good reason. For us, it marks a memory of our childhood and takes us back to the good old days of kite flying without a care.
With the festival just around the corner, a similar spirit is looming about in the surroundings. Kite makers and sellers are coming to Jaipur to showcase their talent and their extravagant creations. In the city, people have been overflowing with a joyous spirit which just strengthens the charm of the festival.
What is Makar Sankranti?
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If you’re new in Jaipur, don’t be alarmed by the number of kites you see in the sky. Since skies across Jaipur can be seen adorned with bright and colourful kites it is easy to lose track of why we go through this ordeal.
The first major festival of the calendar year is Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated in various parts of the country in various forms as Magh Bihu, Lodhi, Posh Sankranti, Thai Pongal etc. Makar Sankranti marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is characterized by Khichdi, Til (sesame seeds) and kite flying.
Why all the kites?
Kite flying is a basic part of Uttarayan, which is regarded as one of the biggest festivals in the state of Gujarat, so much so that the locals also collectively know this festival as The International Kite Festival. Additionally, kites are also seen as a symbol of humanity’s journey towards greatness.
To celebrate the festival, kite makers from Uttar Pradesh have already set up their kite and manjha stores. They are not only getting into the festive spirit themselves, rather, they are spreading joy among all through their kites.
Apart from just kite flying, there are myriad ways to get into the festivities. There are melas and fetes of all sizes and they sure do pack in a punch. The melas and fetes bring people from all over the city together. The celebrations here are completely off the hook and if you’re here, you can be sure of an amazing time.
Knock Knock
Well, folks, the festival of Makar Sankranti is once again upon us and the time to celebrate is here. In Jaipur, spirits are always running high, but when Makar Sankranti is around the corner, the city just takes a colourful facade and becomes all the more enthralling as well as captivating.
