Makar means ‘Capricorn’ zodiac sign and Sankranti means the time of Sun’s transition from one zodiac sign to another. On this day the Uttarayan journey of the Sun begins. According to scientific facts, the heat of the sun in Uttarayan has the ability to eliminate cold and diseases caused by cold.

The festival of Makar Sankranti falls during the extreme winter season. Flying kites under the open sky on this day provides relief from the sun in winter. Along with this, Vitamin D is also obtained from sunlight which is very important for the body. Sunlight also helps in keeping the body healthy. Cough, cold and infectious diseases occur during winter season. In such a situation, the sun sets on the day of Makar Sankranti. Due to setting of the sun, the rays act as medicine for the body. For this reason, flying a kite on the day of Makar Sankranti keeps the body exposed to the sun’s rays. In such a situation, when people fly kites on the rooftops, the sun’s rays act like a medicine. Perhaps that is why the day of Makar Sankranti is also called the day of kite flying. In the Hindu belief system, the end of January signals the beginning of longer days. It symbolizes the Sun changing direction and shifting its trajectory towards the north.Therefore, it has special importance from scientific point of view also. On the day of Makar Sankranti, the rays of the sun are considered like nectar for the body. Various types of diseases are cured by this.

Is kite flying a reason for brotherhood and love?

According to beliefs, on the day of Makar Sankranti in Tretayuga, Lord Rama flew kites with his brothers and Hanuman. Since then the tradition of flying kites on Makar Sankranti has started. Bathing, worship and charity have great importance on this day. From the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun starts moving towards the north. Auspicious works begin from this festival itself. In such a situation, kites are used to celebrate the beginning of auspiciousness. The tradition of flying kites on Makar Sankranti to celebrate the arrival of auspiciousness in the house has been going on for centuries. Kites are also considered to give the message of happiness, love and auspiciousness. On this day, people gather under the open sky and fly kites collectively, which increases mutual brotherhood. Kites are considered a sign of happiness, freedom and auspiciousness. That’s why kites are flown even on Independence Day. Similarly, there is a tradition of flying kites on Makar Sankranti to celebrate the arrival of auspiciousness in the house. On the day of Makar Sankranti, a message of happiness is given to each other by flying kites.

How does kite flying reduce stress?

In today’s time, kite flying teaches people the lesson of unity. On the pretext of flying kites, all the family and surrounding members spend time together. One person handles the string and the other handles the manja. Many people enjoy watching that kite flying. No one feels bad even after losing in this. In this way, people learn to accept both victory and defeat in life under the pretext of kite flying. While flying a kite, a person feels very happy from within. As the kite takes flight, his mind also gets freed from all the worries and gets engaged in kite flying. In such a situation the person enjoys every moment completely. Flying a kite to a height and thinking every moment to save it from being cut gives inspiration and power for new thinking to a person. For this reason, kites are also considered the messenger of happiness and joy.

Was Lord Ram the first to fly a kite?

The kite which Lord Shri Ram had flown on the day of Makar Sankranti had reached Indralok. And Indra’s son Jayant got it. After this he handed over the kite to his wife. Here Lord Ram asked Hanuman ji to bring back that kite from Indralok. When Hanumanji reached Indralok and asked Jayant’s wife to return the kite, she told Hanumanji that she wanted to see Shri Ram first. On this Hanuman told the whole story to Lord Ram. Then Shri Ram said that she can visit him in Chitrakoot. When Hanuman ji gave him Ram ji’s message, he returned Shri Ram’s kite. After this, the tradition of flying kites on Makar Sankranti started and this tradition is being followed even today in many places in India. This is the reason why kites are flown on this day.

What is the relation of Sankranti with black clothes?

There is a tradition of wearing black clothes in Western India on the day of Makar Sankranti. Makar Sankranti is one of the Hindu festivals in which people wear black clothes. Generally black color is considered inauspicious, but due to two beliefs people wear black clothes. Actually black and dark colored clothes absorb more sunlight. When you stay in the sun, black colored clothes will absorb the sunlight faster and more, due to which the sunlight will be converted into heat and will stay on these clothes. Due to the entry of the Sun in the north direction on this day, the person Wearing black colored clothes is considered auspicious so that no trouble comes upon the person and the person remains mentally and physically healthy.

What should be done on the day of Makar Sankranti?

On Makar Sankranti, one should wake up early in the morning and offer water to the Sun and sit in the sunlight for some time. By doing this one gets religious benefits as well as health benefits. After bathing, water should be offered to the Sun God. Those who are not able to take bath in the river, they should take bath at home by mixing Ganga water in water. On the day of Makar Sankranti, one should not touch Tamasic food i.e. meat, fish, alcohol, garlic, onion and intoxicating things. On the day of Makar Sankranti, one should not use abusive words towards anyone including elders. It is a religious belief that eating curd-chuda and khichdi on the day of Makar Sankranti brings good luck. Donating curd, chuda and khichdi on this day is also considered auspicious. Apart from religious belief, Dahi Chuda and Khichdi also have scientific significance. The astrological configuration on Makar Sankranti is called ‘Maha-Snan-Yoga’. Some observers celebrate by bathing in rivers and lakes, especially at the confluence of sacred rivers. Makar Sankranti is also a harvest festival. Makar Sankranti is also known and recognized as a festival related to crops. Actually, this is the time when the harvest is ready and we are celebrating the same.