WSL Desk
As Makar Sankranti is celebrated across India, skies over cities and towns turn into vast canvases of colour, with kites flying from before dawn until well after dark. Known as Uttarayan in western India and Pongal in Tamil Nadu, the festival marks the sun’s northward journey in the Hindu calendar, signalling the gradual transition from winter to summer.
Kite Battles, Craftsmanship and Manja Traditions
Observed on what is typically a bright, sunny January day with steady breezes, the festival sees daily routines come to a near halt. Rooftops, streets, and open spaces become gathering points as people of all ages participate in kite flying and friendly competition, making it one of the most visually striking celebrations in the country.
Kites of varying shapes and sizes dominate the sky, with the primary contest centred on cutting rivals’ strings. For this, enthusiasts rely on skilled kite-makers who craft lightweight yet resilient kites using bamboo frames and carefully stretched paper. The kites are flown with manja—special string coated with glue and powdered glass—designed to give flyers a competitive edge. Preparations for the festival begin months in advance, with markets and streets bustling with kite production from November onwards.
Early Mornings, Rooftop Gatherings and Festive Foods
The excitement begins early on January 14, with children often waking before sunrise to catch the ideal pre-dawn winds. Families gather on rooftops, turning them into shared festive spaces, while traditional foods such as laddoos, undhiyu and surati jamun are prepared and enjoyed throughout the day. Friends and neighbours move from terrace to terrace, adding to the sense of collective celebration.
Uttarayan
Uttarayan also serves as a social catalyst, bringing together people who might not otherwise meet. It is common for large groups to assemble on rooftops best suited for kite flying, creating spontaneous social networks. The festival has even become a marker of time in everyday conversation, with people often recalling relationships and memories in terms of past Uttarayans.
Illuminated Kites Light Up the Night Sky
As night falls, the spectacle continues with bright white kites flown against the dark sky and tukkals—kites trailing strings of illuminated lanterns—creating a striking visual display that lasts well into the evening.
A Tradition Shaped by History and Cultural Exchange
Historically, kites are believed to have arrived in India over a thousand years ago, either through Muslim traders travelling from Persia or Buddhist pilgrims from China, according to Gujarat Tourism. References to kite flying appear in ancient songs and miniature paintings, highlighting its long-standing presence in the subcontinent. Over time, the practice became intertwined with Makar Sankranti celebrations, shaped by cultural exchanges and regional traditions.
Though rooted in the Hindu calendar, kite flying during Makar Sankranti has transcended religious and regional boundaries. Today, the festival stands as a shared national celebration, with kites symbolising joy, craftsmanship and unity, drawing people across backgrounds to look skyward together each January.
