The Sanskrit terms “uttaram” (north) and “ayanam” (movement) are the source of the term Uttarayana, also known as Uttarayanam, which refers to the northward movement of the Sun. In the Gregorian calendar, this means “the actual movement of the sun about the earth”.
Also known as the six months between the winter and summer solstices (roughly 20 December – 20 January). The harvest festival, Uttarayan 2024 also known as Makar Sankranti, is one of the most anticipated occasions in Gujarat. Activities include flying kites, making sweets, and indulging in delicious khichdi.
When Is Uttarayan 2024 ?
Uttarayan 2024 is observed one day after Lohri celebrations and on the same day as Makar Sankranti. While Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan festivities, is usually commemorated on January 14, this year it is being observed on January 15. Additionally, Lohri has been moved to January 14. In Gujarat, the following day of the celebration is known as Vasi Uttarayan or Stale Uttarayan. The Uttarayan Sankranti Moment is scheduled for 2:54 am, according to drikpanchang.
History
- The Hindu epic Mahabharata recounts the account of Bhishma Pitamah, who embraced demise by trusting that the sun will be in Uttarayana.
- Bhishma Pitamah was allowed the endowment of picking his own time and day of death.
- Right now, the sun likewise begins to move toward the north and gleams on the southern side of the equator before Uttarayan.
- This season, known as Uttarayana or Winter Solstice, is viewed as favorable by Hindus.
- The gather celebration, which praises Surya, the Sun God worshipped by the Hindu people group, is an occasional festival as well as a strict one.
Significance
The day the sun moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn, signaling the arrival of spring and the harvest season, is known as Uttarayan 2024, and it is a significant astrological and traditional event. In many respects, Uttarayan is India’s answer to Thanksgiving in the West as, like Thanksgiving, it’s a time of year when people get together to rejoice with their loved ones and it also heralds a harvest, prosperity, and hope.
The Uttarayan festival is much more than just worship and sweets, as Gujaratis look forward to shouting “Kai Po Che” to the kites flying in the sky.