Makar Sankranti in Jaipur is a significant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the city. Also known as the kite festival, it is one of the most popular events on Jaipur’s festive calendar. While the main festival season typically begins in the autumn, Makar Sankranti holds immense importance as it marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. The skies of Jaipur are filled with colorful kites, and families and friends gather on rooftops to participate in this vibrant celebration. From traditional sweets to kite-flying competitions, the festival is a symbol of togetherness and merriment. So, if you’re planning to visit Jaipur in January, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the joy and festivity of Makar Sankranti.
Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti falls on the 14th of January every year according to the Hindu solar calendar. The ‘Makar’ refers to the zodiac Capricorn and ‘Sankranti’ means the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another.
It marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, hence worshipping the sun god is of significance. It also marks the start of the harvest season.
Celebrations on Makar Sankranti
- People wake up early, take a holy bath, wear new clothes and offer prayers to the sun god.
- Charity is important on this day. Donations of food, clothes, and money are given to the underprivileged.
- Kite-flying competitions are held as a favorite tradition.
- Special sweets like til ladoo and gajak made of sesame and jaggery are prepared.
Makar Sankranti Customs in Jaipur
In Jaipur, people follow these customs on Makar Sankranti:
- Holy dip and prayers are offered at Galtaji Temple.
- Cows are fed grass and sweets are distributed to dogs as charity.
- Married women gift household items to other married women.
- Massive kite-flying events are held where thousands flock to rooftops.
How Makar Sankranti Celebrated in Jaipur
In Jaipur, residents partake in a sacred bath at Galta Ji Temple, seeking blessings from the Sun God for their well-being, prosperity, and agricultural success. Following the bath, they offer grass to cows and generously donate clothing and sesame seed sweets. Additionally, married women adhere to a tradition of presenting household items to thirteen other married women.
Makar Sankranti also brings with it an additional custom: kite flying. On this auspicious day, people joyfully fly kites from their rooftops. If you’ve never witnessed a breathtaking display of vibrant kites entwined in the sky, then a visit to Jaipur on January 14th is a must. The city’s rooftops are filled with enthusiastic individuals engaged in friendly competition, while savory feasts add to the festive atmosphere.
Story Behind Kite Flying in Jaipur
Kite flying gained popularity when Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II started flying ornate gold and silver kites with rewards for those who retrieved lost kites. This royal tradition was then embraced by Jaipur’s citizens and became integral to Makar Sankranti festivities.
International Kite Festival of Jaipur
The International Kite Festival is a world-famous event held from 14-16 January at Jaipur Polo Ground.
Key Highlights:
- Kite makers and flyers from over 12 countries participate
- A mesmerizing display of 20,000 kites of various designs fills the sky
- Massive 100-foot tall kites flown by experts
- Competitions for fighter kites and kite flying skills
- Prizes worth lakhs given by organizers
- Cultural events, dances and music held
- Thousands of locals and tourists attend and fly kites
- The night sky was illuminated by thousands of floating paper lanterns
Why is Kite Flying Significant on Makar Sankranti in Jaipur?
People traditionally fly kites on Makar Sankranti in Jaipur for these reasons:
Sun Worship
- Kite flying on Makar Sankranti allows for maximum exposure to the nurturing ultraviolet rays of the sun after the cold, gloomy winter months. As per Hindu belief, the healing solar rays eradicate infections and energize the body.
- By flying kites early morning on terraces, people can absorb the enriching rays believed to improve overall health. The winter sun is also considered a metaphor for knowledge and wisdom.
Celebration
- The vibrant, colorful kites gracing the skies of Jaipur on Makar Sankranti depict the festive spirit of new beginnings. Kite flying kicks off the harvest celebrations.
- The kite dots the blue horizon with hues of pink, orange, and purple like an abstract canvas celebrating the vibrancy of Makar Sankranti.
Creativity
- Elaborate kite making using bamboo, paper, and natural glue demonstrates the creative talents of skilled kite makers.
- Unique designs like centipedes, birds, and geometric patterns add artistry to the Jaipur skyline on Makar Sankranti.
Competition
- Expert kite flyers compete in specialized techniques like ‘kataas’ (kite cutting) and ‘lapetnas’ (kite entanglement) during friendly battles.
- This spirit of friendly rivalry in contests makes the festival lively and showcases prowess in kite handling using handmade reels.
Bonding
- Friends and families bond over home-made food, and endless cups of tea while flying kites together on the terraces of Pink City.
- The teamwork, coordination, and banter strengthen relationships as Jaipurites enjoy perfect weather for day-long community kite flying.
Thrill
- The fast-paced frenzy of kites crowding the horizon gives an incredible adrenaline rush to participants.
- Watching colorful kites engaged in mid-air battles while maneuvering your kite provides a thrilling experience that gets intense as the day progresses.
The kite flying on Makar Sankranti has deep roots in Jaipur’s culture and brings out its festive community spirit, creative expression, and friendly competitive zeal.
Tips for Enjoying the Kite Festival in Jaipur
Here are handy tips to maximize your kite flying experience on Makar Sankranti:
- Head to hotspots like Chaugan Stadium, and Statue Circle early to find rooftop space.
- Carry your kite, thread and charki for participation.
- Apply oil on threads the night before for smooth maneuvering.
- Wear gloves to avoid hand injuries from threads.
- Consume traditional snacks like gajak, moongfali, and tea.
- Balance safety with fun when on terraces and rooftops.
- Capture incredible photos and selfies with kites in the skyline.
- Participate in the International Kite Festival at Jaipur Polo Ground.
- Stay until evening to behold thousands of floating paper sky lanterns.
Experience the Magic of Makar Sankranti in Jaipur
Kite-flying frenzy, colorful horizon, festive fervor – Makar Sankranti brings out Jaipur’s enthusiasm and warm community spirit.
Partake in the incredible kite festival and experience Rajasthan’s vibrant culture yourself! The soaring kites carrying you into the new year make it a stunning spectacle you’ll never forget.