Thursday, 13 January 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
The festival of Makar Sankranti or Uttarayani to be celebrated on January 14 is an important festival of India celebrated with much enthusiasm in traditional forms in Uttarakhand. Considered one of the holiest festivals in Uttarakhand, it is celebrated in a different way in the state. The festival of Uttarayani reflects the culture and rituals of the state’s Garhwal and Kumaon regions. However, this year, the Makar Sankranti Snan in the Ganga at Haridwar and the Uttarayani Kauthik fair held in Bageshwar have been cancelled as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.
It is believed that from this day, the migratory birds start returning to the mountains as this day signals a change of season. In Uttarakhand, people eat and offer Khichadi, take dip in holy rivers and participate in various local fairs. Uttarayani fair is generally held in a number of places in Kumaon region including Bageshwar, Ranibagh and Hanseswari. A range of events are held at the event including exhibition of handicrafts, music concerts of local artistes. The young ones seek blessings from their elders and in return the elders offer the young ones jiggery. People also prepare sweets called ‘Ghughutis, which are made with wheat flour kneaded with a mixture of lukewarm water and jiggery.
Though the festival is important and elicits enthusiastic celebration in the state, the authorities have appealed to the people to also observe the Covid guidelines. The Tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar said, “The festival of Uttarayani gives inspiration to always move forward on the path of karma with positive thinking in life. This holy festival is also associated with the beginning of auspicious works. This festival of worship of Lord Surya infuses new energy and enthusiasm in all of our lives. Keeping in mind the safety during the Covid period, the people should celebrate the festival while following the Covid guidelines. All security arrangements are being made by the government and local administration,” he said.
