The Story Behind Uttarayan
DISCLAIMER: There are many holidays being celebrated this week including Lohri, Pongal and Magh Bihu in different parts of India. I don't mean to minimize their importance by highlighting one holiday over the others. I'm simply speaking from my personal experience, as a Gujarati, in what I grew up celebrating.
What is Makar Sankranti?
What?
A Hindu festival that marks the end of harvest season and start of the sun’s movement with increasing daylight hours.
When?
Typically falls on either January 14th or 15th. The duration of this festival varies per region or ethnicity.
Where?
Celebrated across all parts of India, though its local names and customs differ regionally.
Why?
To express gratitude to the sun and earth for the bountiful harvest, and mark the arrival of a new season.
Once upon a time, there was an evil monster named Sankarasur who used to torture and kill people on Earth.
For no reason at all!
So Goddess Sankranti came down to Earth to take care of business.
Some legends claim Makar Sankranti is in celebration of this monster's downfall, but to be honest, details around this story are pretty scant so this is all I got for you. Sorry!
FUN FACT #1: January 14th is also two very special people's birthday: my brother and co-founder, Viral's and his daughter, Aadhya's!
FUN FACT #2: Uttarayan is one of the few Indian festivals celebrated on a fixed calender day of the solar calendar. All other Indian festivals are celebrated as per the lunar calendar.
FUN FACT #3: The tradition of kite flying is actually rooted in science! After hibernating all winter long, it's an healthy excuse to get out for some Vitamin D.
FUN FACT #4: There's also a scientific reason why we eat Tilgul Ladoos made of sesame seeds. Apparently these seeds help keep the body warm and provide good amount of oil that is essential to provide moisture during winter.
Winter Harvest by Region:
Many of the sweet & savory items consumed correlate with the winter harvest. This includes:
- Tilkut: crystalized sesame candy
- Makki ki Roti: corn flour flatbread & mustard greens curry
- Khichidi: rice & lentils with ghee & spices
- Undhiyu: stew of seasonal vegetables
- Pongal: sweet rice & lentil dish
- Rewari: sweet candy made of sesame & jaggery
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Modi Toys is a children's brand of toys and books inspired by ancient Hindu culture. We exist to spread joy and to spark curiosity in the next generation through our innovative soft plush toys, illustrated children's books and free learning resources. Our weekly Theology Thursday series covers a wide range of topics rooted in Hinduism to help us better understand the origins of traditions, the symbolic meaning of rituals, and the stories behind Hindu holidays and festivals. The more we can understand "the why" behind this 4,000 year ancient religion, and make sense of it in this modern age, the greater we can appreciate and preserve our rich Hindu culture. While we take great care in thoroughly researching the information presented, we may occasionally get some things wrong. We encourage a healthy and open dialogue so we can learn together. Please leave a comment below or email us directly at support@moditoys.com to address any concerns.
