In a unique celebration, Union Home Minister Amit Shah engaged in kite-flying festivities in Ahmedabad with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. The locals of Shantiniketan Society welcomed the prominent leaders and decorated the area with colorful kites and rangolis. They were joined by hundreds of people on nearby rooftops and terraces to catch a glimpse of the Home Minister. Known by different names across India, Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of longer days and is celebrated with great enthusiasm, making it a festival of unwavering faith in Indian culture and tradition.
Makar Sankranti: A Festival of Transitions and Celebrations
Makar Sankranti is an auspicious festival celebrated across India, marking the transition from winter to spring. Originating from ancient Hindu traditions, the festival holds immense cultural and religious significance.
Origins and Significance
Makar Sankranti derives its name from the Sanskrit words "Makar" (Capricorn) and "Sankranti" (transition). It coincides with the Sun's entry into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, signaling the end of the dark period and the beginning of longer days.
The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the renewal of life. It is believed that taking a holy dip in rivers or lakes on this day washes away sins and brings good fortune.
Current Celebrations
This year, Makar Sankranti was celebrated with great fervor across the country. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in kite-flying festivities with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel. Locals adorned the area with colorful kites and rangolis, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Elsewhere in India, people celebrated Makar Sankranti with traditional rituals, such as feasts, bonfires, and prayers. In Punjab, the festival is known as Lohri and is marked by bonfire celebrations and traditional songs. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Pongal and is celebrated with the preparation of sweet rice dishes and the worship of the Sun God.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
What is the significance of kite flying on Makar Sankranti? Answer: Kite flying symbolizes the cutting of negative energies and welcoming positive vibes.
Why is Makar Sankranti celebrated on different dates each year? Answer: The date of Makar Sankranti varies slightly from year to year due to the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth.
What are some traditional foods eaten during Makar Sankranti? Answer: Til laddoos (sweet sesame balls), khichdi, and gajak are popular delicacies.
Is Makar Sankranti a national holiday in India? Answer: Yes, it is a national holiday in India and is celebrated with great fanfare.
What is the cultural importance of Makar Sankranti? Answer: Makar Sankranti is a festival that showcases the rich diversity of Indian culture, bringing people together to celebrate their shared traditions.
On Sunday, Indians in a northern city broke the record for the most clay oil lamps lit in a single day, as a part of their celebration of Diwali, the annual Hindu festival of lights. The festival is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil and is marked by lighting lamps and exchanging gifts with loved ones. The impressive feat of 2.61 million lamps being lit adds to the joy and festivities of this cultural event.
As India prepares to celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, The Indian Express has compiled a collection of heartfelt Diwali wishes and greetings to share with loved ones. From traditional blessings to modern messages, these wishes are sure to add an extra sparkle to the holiday.
In a must-win game against England, India's chances of qualifying for the semifinals seemed promising with Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur's partnership. However, once Mandhana was dismissed, India's chase began to unravel and the team fell short of their target of 289. A dejected Mandhana was seen struggling to hold back tears after the loss. England's Heather Knight led from the front with a century, setting up a solid total for her team.
As the festival of lights, Diwali, is right around the corner, it's essential to respond to the numerous "Happy Diwali" messages with thoughtfulness. From creative Diwali captions to status videos and images, this article has all the elements to help you spread festive cheer in your replies. After all, the way you respond reflects the light you pass on.
After months of speculation and excitement, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha have officially welcomed their first child, a baby boy. The couple, who tied the knot in a private ceremony earlier this year, shared the joyous news on their Instagram, adding that they are “blessed beyond measure." Fans have already started sending warm wishes and congratulations to the new parents, who are overjoyed with their new arrival. Prior to the birth, the couple’s pregnancy announcement had also garnered a lot of attention and love on social media, as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of the newest member of the Chopra-Chadha family.
Summary As Diwali approaches once again, many are looking forward to the festive celebrations while others are exploring new ways to mark this auspicious occasion. From traditional rituals and customs to modern adaptations and festivities, this article examines the various ways in which Diwali is celebrated around the world. Whether it's lighting diyas and setting off fireworks or hosting virtual gatherings and shopping for eco-friendly decorations, Diwali is a time for joy, hope, and community.
As the 5-day Diwali festivities continue, the auspicious day of Choti Diwali approaches on Monday, October 20th. This special occasion, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, marks the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. To share the joy and positivity of this festival, indianexpress.com has compiled a selection of special wishes and greeting cards that can be shared with loved ones. Let us all cherish our blessings and spread happiness on this Choti Diwali!
The festive season is upon us and brands are pulling out all the stops to capture the essence of Diwali. Greenlam and Dentsu Creative Webchutney have released a new campaign titled ‘Diwali Always Finds Its Way’, which tells a heartwarming story of a modern-day couple connecting with the emotional roots of the festival. It goes beyond traditional narratives and celebrates the idea that Diwali is not just a ritual, but a feeling that always finds its way into our lives, bringing warmth, hope, and joy.
India is buzzing with excitement as preparations and celebrations for Diwali are in full swing. Streets are decorated, markets are bustling, and metro services are running on special schedules to accommodate the festive rush. Meanwhile, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is preparing for the main event, with a stunning display of cultural performances, eco-friendly fireworks, and a drone show. In Delhi, the Kartavya Path was lit up with a spectacular drone show and over 1.5 lakh diyas, attended by Delhi's Chief Minister and other officials. Keep up-to-date with all the latest Diwali news in this space.
Get ready to celebrate the joy of new beginnings with your friends and family by sharing beautiful Choti Diwali video status filled with glowing diyas, soft background music, and divine energy. From traditional clips of Lord Krishna to trendy reels, make your stories extra special and inspiring with captions like "Let light overcome darkness" and "Celebrating Choti Diwali with love and light". Download and share these short status and spread the positivity of this auspicious day.