Reasons Why You Should Celebrate Makar Sankranti 2023 Near Jaipur?

Jaipur, the Pink City, is immensely popular for its festivals and there is almost no time throughout the year when the locals do not have a festival to look forward to. Although the major festive season begins in autumn, several important festivals are celebrated during the first half of the year, and Makar Sankranti, also known as the kite festival, is one of them. It is an annual event that comes on January 14 every year. Makar Sankranti is celebrated all across India under different names. As per the Hindu calendar, this festival occurs when the sun changes its direction leaving the zodiac sign of Sagittarius and entering the sign of Capricorn. It is the only festival that is celebrated depending on the movement of the sun instead of the Hindu calendar. Makar Sankranti is highly regarded as an auspicious day and it is believed that any sacred ritual or Karma performed on this day will be extravagantly profitable and productive. In this article, we, at Castle Kanota, one of the best Jaipur heritage hotel for families, are going to share several reasons why you should participate in this immaculately vibrant festival this year.

Cultural Significance And Important Of Makar Sankranti

The festival is known by various names in different states. Makar Sankranti signals the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The cultural significance of this colorful festival also varies from state to state. Every state in India observes and welcomes the new harvest season according to its cultural rituals. This festival is symbolic of the age-old triumph of good over evil. It is believed that the festival is named after Sankranti, a Hindu God who is known to have defeated the monster Sankarasur. The triumph over evil is what makes Makar Sankranti so auspicious. People also take pavitra snaan or holy baths to absolve themselves of their sins. This ritual is known to be essential for the people of India as it symbolizes new beginnings. The arrival of spring brings hope and new beginnings with it. 

The Symbolism Behind Makar Sankranti

The movement of the sun to the Tropic of Capricorn from the Tropic of Cancer is seen as Sun God visiting his son, Saturn. The zodiac sign of Saturn is Capricorn as per ancient belief. 

The Sun God pays a visit to his son Saturn every year in January to stay with him for a while. This belief means that we must let go of our resentment and bitterness, and show affection and care towards others by accepting love over hate. Makar Sankranti is symbolic of ‘change’ just like the new year brings new hope for change. People come together and forge friendly connections with each other. The environment of Pink City is extravagantly jovial which is why people forget all the grudges they have and enjoy this auspicious event. It is a day to rejoice because of the cheerful environment.

Makar Sankranti Festival Celebrations In Jaipur

Kite-flying is the main part of Makar Sankranti in North India. It is among the most enjoyable and popular activities recognized during Makar Sankranti. In Pink City, children and adults can be seen flying kites a month before Makar Sankranti and continue to fly colorful, vibrant kites a month after that as well. When the vibrant-colored kites grace the sky, it is certainly a sight to behold. When kites of different colors, designs, and sizes make it high in the sky, it adds immense delight to the whole activity. Friends and families gather around the rooftops to reminisce about the view and compete with other kite flyers. Bathing in the holy water of the Ganges is also another popular ritual for people on Makar Sankranti. This ritual is performed to ask for forgiveness for the sins of their past. It is believed as a means to cleanse one’s soul and body of past sins. 

Delicacies and sweets are another fun part of this festival. Sesame sweets made of jaggery are mainly popular among Jaipurites.

Why Celebrate Makar Sankranti In Rajasthan

Everyone, children, adults, and old people enjoy festivities as they bring relatives, family, neighbors, and friends together. Makar Sankranti is filled with immense joy, happiness, and love which is one of the most prominent reasons why people love to celebrate this festival in Jaipur. 

The festival of Makar Sankranti attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe because of how Jaipurites celebrate and welcome the new season. The locals set up speakers on the roof and played music all day long to breathe life into the celebrations. The combination of family gatherings, music, sweets, and kites indeed makes this festival a thoroughly enjoyable event.

1. Delicacies

Friends, family, and relatives come together. Popular Makar Sankranti food such as Til Ke Laddoo, Dal Bati Churma, Gajak, Pheni, and more are prepared in households. Laddoos prepared with jaggery and til (sesame) are an extremely popular delicacy made during this festival. This is because Til is not only nutritious but also protects the body from cold weather. 

2. Kite Festival

Makar Sankranti is widely known as the kite festival of India. In most parts of North India, Makar Sankranti is not complete without kites. This activity is what makes this festival popular even among non-Hindu communities. The sight of the sky is spellbinding on this day. The bright colors of the kites take hold of the blue sky. Tourists visit Jaipur during this season to witness the kite festival. 

3. Floating Lamps

When you see kites flying high during the day, you will surely be spellbound but when you think that it cannot get any more beautiful, you will be hit by floating lamps in the evening when the sun sets. Floating lamps have become yet another must-observed tradition in recent years. These lamps make for an even greater sight which is another reason why people in Jaipur love to celebrate this beautiful festival. 

Wrapping Up!

Makar Sankranti is among the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated across India. Different people coming from different cultures within the country celebrate this festival in their unique styles. Makar Sankranti is seen as a conclusion of the dark phase in people’s lives and the beginning of a new life. If you are planning to celebrate this festival in Jaipur this year, then you must also enjoy staying in a heritage hotels near Jaipur to experience true royalty. This is why Castle Kanota brings you the best royal suite rooms for an unforgettable experience. You can also enjoy dine and wine near Jaipur at Castle Kanota and celebrate this auspicious festival with us. Get in touch with us today and make your bookings to have a truly memorable experience in Jaipur.