Sky seems to be a colored chart with the vibrant colored kites flying everywhere.
Exactly it is the Makar Sankranti. The only festival which falls on the same day every year celebrated on 14 th of January! Makar literally means Capricon and Sankranti is the day when sun passes from one zodiac sign to other. Although geographically on this day sun passes from tropic of Cancer to tropic of Capricon i.e the sun enters the constellation of Makar(crocodile) and begins to move towards the north. Also this day has a special significance as the day and night of Makar Sankranti are of equal hours!!
Usually this day is celebrated in India with a lot cheerfulness.
A dish called " khichadi" is prepared by mixing rice and dal.
A famous saying " TIL GUD KHAO MEETHA MEETHA BOLO" is said on this day while distributing til laddoos. These laddoos are specially prepared from til and jaggery due to their nutritive values. Reason behind this sweet is til n jaggery keep body warm. A common ritual of Haldi Kumkum is followed in women of hindu communities.
Then comes the most awaiting and interesting part of this day the kite flying. From small children to old age people enjoy flying kites during evening breeze. Cutting each others kites n shouting " Kai Po Che" makes the kite flying more live and fun filled. Terraces of all the buildings on this day are fully crowded with people and loud music which charges their energy for kite flying. In the evening lanterns with diyas lit in them are left in the sky. This is the moment of true joy n pleasure as the sky is fully lit up with the brightness of the diyas.
This fest is an enjoyment for us but many birds and insects are harmed due to the manja thread tied to kites. As manja is made up of glass it leads to their death. It may also injure us in some way.
A simpler way of celebrating it could be by writing wishes on balloons and leaving them into the sky.
A way of enjoying and protecting our diversity too.
ARYA SALGAONKAR
BPT (1)
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