Uttarayan (Kite-Flying Festival) | Tourism

Uttarayan is a kite-flying festival and is one of biggest festivals in India. It is also called Makar Sankranti. The dates vary according to the Hindu calendar - the next Uttarayan festival is January 14, 2022.

Meaning behind the name: In Sanskrit, “Uttara” means North, and “Ayana” means movement. Uttarayan indicates the northward movement of the Earth on the Celestial sphere. This festival is commonly referred to as the day of new beginnings.

People who fly the kites try to cut each other’s ropes, in fun competition. The kite-flying is usually done on rooftops while celebrating the start of summer. In India, this is a period of harvest; winter turning into summer. The festival marks the time when the sun is back, so it is said that is also why people fly kites; to get exposed to the sun’s rays. This is believed to clear skin infections from winter.

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Celebrations of Uttarayan

Uttarayan Festival Facts